On March 8, Bangladesh's first 60 MW wind power plant in Cox's Bazar started full production and is being supply directly to the national grid. According to project officials, following the project is fully operational, it will generate approximately 145 million kWh of clean power annually for Bangladesh. This will result in a reduction of coal consumption by 44,600 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 109,200 tons. Additionally, the project will be able to meet the electricity needs of around 100,000 households.
However, beneath the surface of this seemingly progressive stance lies a more complex reality-a reality where the nation finds itself running with the hare of renewable energy while simultaneously hunting with the hounds of conventional power sources.In the past, the government had set goals to generate a minimum of 5% of the overall electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydroby 2015 and 10% by 2020. Sadly, the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources has reported that we have not yet met these targets. Currently, the nation only generates about 2% of its electricity from renewable sources. Simultaneously, while Bangladesh was praised for scrapping 10 coal fire power plants, however, recently six newliquified gas-fired power plant with 3,510 MW capacity pointed out Bangladesh's hypocrisy on embracing global green new deal.
Currently, Bangladesh has a total capacity to generate 25,339 MW of electricity. In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, it needs to generate at least 12% of its electricity from renewable sources.As Bangladesh being an extremely climate-vulnerable nation, Bangladesh threatens to lose as much as 9 percent of its GDP by the mid-century as a consequence of climate change it must navigate this delicate balance to deal with the challenges and contradictions encountered with its energy transition journey.
At first glance, Bangladesh's progress in the field of renewable energy seems praiseworthy. The government is actively pushing for the establishment of fresh plants in order to meet its ambitious goal of generating 10% of electricity from renewable sources such as solar, hydropower, and wind by 2025.Efforts like the implementation of solar home systems, solar irrigation pumps, and the advancement of wind and hydroelectric projects demonstrate a sincere dedication to decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and addressing the ramifications of climate change.
Furthermore, Bangladesh has made incredible progress in employing its vast solar resources. Many have praised the government's Solar Home System program for its success in providing electricity to millions of rural households previously underserved by the national grid. The program provides off-grid solar power, making it a reliable and sustainable solution for these impoverished areas. In addition, the use of solar irrigation systems has not only boosted agricultural productivity but also contributed to a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions linked to diesel-powered pumps.
Nevertheless, there are contradictions within this narrative of progress. In spite of the government's efforts to promote renewable energy, Bangladesh still heavily depends on coal and natural gas to fulfill its increasing energy demands. Coal-fired power plants, such as the Rampal Power Station near the Sundarbans mangrove forest, have been subject to scrutiny by environmentalists and local communities for questions regarding the impacts on air quality, water resources, and biodiversity.
Likewise, the focus on renewable energy in Bangladesh is often overlooked due to the country's continued investments in fossil fuel infrastructure. The country's plans for new coal-fired power plants, offshore gas exploration, and the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals have raised questions about its commitment to renewable energy. Critics argue that Bangladesh's investments in fossil fuels, which contribute to an expanding carbon footprint, undermine its commitment to addressing climate change. Bangladesh's stance on renewable energy and its actual practices in the energy sector reveal a larger conflict between pursuing economic growth and ensuring environmental sustainability. Bangladesh is under tremendous pressure to supply its residents with inexpensive and dependable power due to the country's fast-expanding population and increasing energy demands. In this circumstance, it may be difficult to resist the temptation of cheap and plentiful fossil fuels, despite the damaging effects that they will have on the ecosystem in the future.
Geopolitical factors and collaborations with other countries also influence Bangladesh's energy landscape. The country's heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, especially natural gas, leaves it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets and geopolitical tensions in the region. Given the context, Bangladesh needs to find a middle ground between its commitment to renewable energy and the practical concerns of energy security and financial stability.
To fully align Bangladesh's renewable energy goals with its current energy situation, it is critical to implement a comprehensive strategy that addresses the underlying issues contributing to its energy difficulties. This involves making investments in energy efficiency measures, encouraging the use of decentralized renewable energy solutions, and supporting the development of innovative clean energy technologies. In addition, it is crucial for Bangladesh to focus on creating a diverse energy portfolio that decreases dependence on any one source, regardless of whether it is renewable or fossil fuel-based. Simultaneously, Bangladesh needs to address the social and economic disparities that form the foundation of its energy industry. The distribution of access to electricity remains uneven, with rural and marginalized populations often bearing the brunt of energy poverty. Ensuring equity and inclusivity is crucial in the transition towards renewable energy, so that clean, affordable, and reliable electricity is accessible to all citizens.
Ultimately, the path that Bangladesh has taken towards renewable energy is multifaceted and intricate, characterized by advancements as well as inconsistencies. Although the country has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources, it still needs to address the consequences of its ongoing dependence on fossil fuels and the complexities of managing conflicting interests during its shift towards cleaner energy. By acknowledging and tackling these inconsistencies directly, Bangladesh can embrace a holistic energy policy that paves the way for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for its entire population. Bangladesh must quickly adapt to climate change and embrace cleaner, more efficient technologies to support its long-term development and growth. This includes reducing reliance on unstable fossil fuel imports and limiting emissions. These initiatives coordinate with the country's goals to attain high-income status and eliminating absolute poverty by 2041.
The writer is a Postgraduate student in Applied International Relations , Teesside University, United Kingdom
