Category: Energy and Power

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has emerged as a vital energy source for Bangladesh’s domestic, industrial, and transport sectors. The LPG market in Bangladesh has experienced remarkable expansion over the past decade. As the nation transitions from a reliance on natural gas to a diversified energy mix, LPG offers a clean, efficient, and portable alternative. However, the very properties that make LPG convenient-its flammability, explosive nature, overpressure hazard, and wide use-also make it a significant safety concern. Fires and explosions have become increasingly frequent in Bangladesh in recent years. The LPG business, therefore, is fundamentally about maintaining safety throughout its lifecycle- from production, storage, and transportation to consumer use.

the Dual Nature of LPG: Energy and Hazard LPG is a clean-burning fuel with a high heating value and lower carbon emissions compared to other hydrocarbons.

it remains in liquid form under moderate pressure (6-7 bar), which makes it highly portable and convenient for handling and storage. However, LPG also poses significant hazards. When released to the atmosphere, it vaporizes readily and can form explosive mixtures with air at very low concentrations (Lower Explosive Limit ˜ 2%). Its minimum ignition energy is extremely low (˜ 0.25 mJ), making accidental ignition easy.

to illustrate its energy potential, a typical 12 kg household LPG cylinder contains energy roughly equivalent to 128 kg of TNT, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of uncontrolled release, flash fire, or explosion. This dual nature-efficient fuel versus serious hazard underscores the critical need for proper storage, handling, and safety precautions.

unsafe Transportation and Storage: The Current Scenario in Bangladesh Recent incidents across Bangladesh highlight the vulnerability of the LPG supplychain.

explosions during refilling, cylinder leaks in households, and truckloaded LPG cylinder accidents on highways underscore weaknesses in safety practices.

unsafe transportation- such as overfilled or poorly maintained tankers, lack of vehicle inspection, and untrained drivers-has led to several road accidents, fires, and explosions. Similarly, unsafe storage practices, including the use of expired or substandard cylinders and inadequate fire protection systems at depots, pose grave risks to workers and surrounding communities. On March 13, 2024, a vapor cloud explosion occurred from a leaking gas cylinder in the Telirchala area of Kaliakair Upazila in Gazipur, leaving at least 35 people injured and, in the following days, claiming 16 lives as many of the burn victims succumbed to their injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

the incident began when a cooking gas cylinder leaked inside a home; the resident then threw it outside near the road.

the gas leaked in a narrow, congested, busy road and formed a vapor cloud, which ignited and caused a sudden, large explosion. On 19 July 2025, a disastrous explosion rocked the ‘CO Bazar LPG Auto Gas and Conversion Centre’ in Rangpur city’s CO Bazar area, killing one person and injuring approximately 20 others.

the deceased was an engineer working on repairs to a leaking LPG tanker.

the explosion caused widespread physical damage: at least 20-30 vehicles-including ambulances, private cars, and motorcycles-parked in and around the station were severely damaged or destroyed; doors, windows, and structural elements of nearby residential and commercial buildings cracked or were torn off.

the shock of the blast was heard and felt from well over a kilometer away. Beyond casualties and damage, the explosion sparked public concern over safety standards in LPG stations- particularly regarding prompt response to leaks, transparency in maintenance operations, and regulatory compliance. The blast served as a grim reminder of how deferred maintenance, unaddressed leaks, and insufficient safety oversight in storage and transportation systems can lead to major disasters.

in many cases, the root cause lies in an inadequate safety management system, poor enforcement of standards, and a lack of safety culture among operators and consumers. Hazard Management Across the LPG Life Cycle: Every stage of the LPG life cycle presents distinct hazards: n Storage: Risk of leaks, vapor cloud explosions, or BLEVEs. n Handling and Refilling: Faulty valves, improper hose connections, static discharge. n Transportation: Mechanical failure, tanker rupture, collisions, leaks, or exposure to fire. n Consumer Use: Leaks from regulators or hoses, confined space accumulation, or open flame ignition.

addressing these requires both occupational safety (worker protection) and process safety (system integrity). Managing Risk and Safety through Process Safety Management (PSM) The implementation of OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standards is critically important for the LPG industry to prevent large-scale disasters and ensure sustainable operations. LPG, being highly flammable and stored under pressure, poses inherent risks of fire, explosion, and toxic release if not properly managed. PSM provides a systematic framework to identify, evaluate, and control process hazards throughout the entire life cycle- from storage and transfer to distribution and consumer use. By integrating key elements such as process hazard analysis (PHA), management of change (MOC), mechanical integrity, safe work practices, employee training, incident investigation, safety audits (internal and external), and emergency response planning, LPG industries can significantly reduce the likelihood of catastrophic incidents. Globally, most major industrial accidents-from Bhopal to Texas City- have been traced back to the absence or failure of effective process safety management. For Bangladesh’s rapidly growing LPG sector, adopting a robust PSM program is therefore not optional but imperative.

it builds a culture of safety, ensures regulatory compliance, protects human lives and property, and enhances public trust in the industry’s commitment to responsible and safe energy delivery. Regulatory Framework and Enforcement Challenges Bangladesh has several laws and codes relevant to the LPG business, including the Explosives Act (1884), Petroleum Act (2016), Bangladesh Gas Act (2010), Explosive Rules (2004), LPG Rules (2004), and the Occupational Health and Safety Policy (2013). However, despite the existence of these legal frameworks, enforcement remains one of the most critical challenges in ensuring safety and compliance across the rapidly expanding LPG industry.

to strengthen and ensure good governance, authorities should: n Update and harmonize safety codes and standards with international standards. n Introduce Process Safety Management (PSM) standards to manage risk in highrisk industries/installations, including LPG industries. n Employ qualified inspectors and leverage third-party safety audits. n Introduce structured training programs and certification mechanisms for enforcement officials to enhance their technical competence in LPG safety and risk assessment. n Introduce compulsory training, certification, and periodic renewal for all personnel involved in LPG operations-plant operators, transport drivers, cylinder handlers, and technicians-to ensure they understand and adhere to safety standards.

the Role of Industry and Stakeholders The safety of the LPG industry depends on shared responsibility: n Industry Operators: Must allocate resources and establish internal safety management systems. n Regulators: Should provide clear, enforceable standards and conduct regular inspections. n Consumers: Need awareness on safe cylinder use, leak detection, and emergency actions. n Community and Media: Play a vital role in awareness and accountability.

a cooperative and solution-oriented relationship between industry and regulators is essential to foster a culture of prevention rather than reaction. However, in practice, safety compliance remains inadequate, monitoring mechanisms are weak, and enforcement is often ineffective. Regulatory bodies such as the Department of Explosives face significant limitations in manpower and technical capacity, making it difficult to inspect the vast number of LPG cylinders, storage facilities, and transport operations across the country.

this gap between regulation and implementation continues to pose serious risks to public safety and undermines confidence in the overall governance of the LPG sector. Safety Culture: A Moral and Economic Imperative As Dr.

trevor Kletz, the father of inherent safety, wisely noted: ‘If you think safety is expensive, try an accident.’ This statement captures the essence of why safety is not a cost but an investment-an investment in human lives, increasing productivity, organizational sustainability, and national resilience.

every Taka spent on prevention, whether on employee training, safety audits, quality equipment, or emergency preparedness, yields exponential returns by proactively avoiding near misses and mitigating the risk of catastrophic losses.

the economic rationale for safety is compelling.

industrial accidents result in massive direct and indirect costs: loss of life, property damage, legal liabilities, compensation claims, production downtime, and reputational damage that can cripple even the largest corporations. Conversely, organizations that invest in proactive safety management systems enjoy higher operational reliability, improved workforce morale, and greater public trust. Safety thus becomes a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

in the LPG sector-where small lapses can lead to explosions, fires, and societal panic-ethical responsibility must align with financial prudence.

a safe enterprise not only safeguards its employees but also protects the surrounding community and builds confidence in modern energy systems.

in short, safety is not a cost center-it is a value creator.

every organization in the LPG supply chain must recognize that maintaining safety is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity for long-term success.

in Bangladesh’s growing LPG market, safety must remain at the core of business operations. From storage terminals to kitchens, every stakeholder has a role in preventing accidents.

an effective safety management system not only protects lives and property but also ensures the sustainability of the LPG industry itself.

the future of the LPG business in Bangladesh will be determined not by how much LPG we can distribute, but by how safely we can manage it.

A man and his son, who were badly burnt in a recent fire triggered by a puncture of Chevron B a n g l a d e s h ‘ s condensate pipeline in Moulvibazar’s S r e e m a n g a l upazila, have died while undergoing treatment in Dhaka.

the mother, also critically injured in the same incident, remains in the intensive care unit. Bashir Mia, 54, died today around 6:30am at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. His son, Rejoan Mia, 21, succumbed to his injuries while on life support at the same facility.

the family, hailing from Ilampara area of Bhunabir union under Sreemangal upazila, was caught in the blaze that broke out on September 23.

the fire erupted after miscreants allegedly drilled a hole into a condensate pipeline operated by Chevron Bangladesh, resulting in a massive explosion and fire. Bashir’s wife Farzana Akhter Parveen, 36, remains in critical condition in the ICU said Salek Mia, a local union parishad member. Chevron Bangladesh expressed condolences at the deaths.

Adviser on Environment, Forests and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hassan has said the journey to phase out single-use plastics (SUP) from government offices has officially begun with the Bangladesh Secretariat. ‘With regular monitoring, the Secretariat would be completely free of single-use plastics by January 1, 2026. The use of plastic water bottles and other single-use items will be phased out by December next,’ she told a press briefing in the Secretariat recently. Rizwana Hasan noted that use of single-use plastics has not been banned yet in Bangladesh. However, the government is actively discouraging their use. Several embassies and universities have already declared their campuses free of single-use plastics, she added.

earlier, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr. Farhina Ahmed monitored enforcement of the government decision to bar all from using the SUP at Gate 2 and Gate 5 of Bangladesh Secretariat.

Petrobras has placed an order with Vallourec for more than 30 Submagnético Free Flow systems to address inorganic scaling in production strings.

the equipment will be installed at various presalt fields offshore Brazil.

according to Vallourec, the technology co-developed with Petrobras, applies a magnetic field on the extracted fluid that lessens the formation of inorganic scaling on the production string. Submagnetico Free Flow is integrated into the production string using a threaded connection, with no need for welding. Highstrength magnets are placed perpendicular to the flow of the extracted fluid. Their magnetic force stimulates formation of less stable crystals, which reduces adhesion to the pipe walls and other well equipment, and inhibits scale deposits.

this is said to ensure continual production with no requirement for disruptive squeeze operation, special handling or external power source. Vallourec claims the technology also provides significant cost savings through reduced well interventions, use of scale inhibitors and production downtime.

ABB has been named a Leader in the Verdantix Green Quadrant: Industrial AI Analytics Software 2025, a benchmark report that evaluates the capabilities and momentum of the most prominent industrial AI analytics software solutions on the market. The report ranked ABB among the top leaders in the Quadrant.

the Verdantix report, based on rigorous analysis of 19 vendors, highlights ABB’s Genix Industrial IoT and AI Suite for its comprehensive data integration, advanced model development and industry-leading energy management capabilities. ‘We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the Verdantix Green Quadrant report for industrial AI analytics software,’ said Rajesh Ramachandran, Global Chief Digital Officer, Process Automation, ABB. ‘We are committed to empowering our customers across energy- and resourceintensive industries with scalable, AI-driven solutions that deliver operational excellence and measurable improvements in efficiency, reliability and sustainability.’

Rosatom has opened an Additive Technologies Center (ATC) in Belarus. This is Rosatom’s first Additive Technologies Center (ATC) outside Russia, and implemented as a joint venture of Rosatom and the Belarusian company H-Holding. ‘The introduction of additive manufacturing ensures the transition to a new technological paradigm. Compared to traditional production technologies, 3D printing allows us to produce unique products of complex shape with specified parameters quickly and costeffectively based on a zerowaste principle,’ said Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.

three ATCs have already been established at Rosatom’s enterprises. Seven more general access centers for additive technologies have been opened at educational institutions in various regions of Russia. In addition, the ATC is equipped with a Russian-made machine for printing sand polymer molds for casting, as well as a 3D scanner. The possibility of 3D scanning in combination with 3D printing enables a comprehensive approach- from manufacturing products to the customer’s model to reverse engineering.

Policy incentives and hybrid solar-plus-storage projects are accelerating India’s energy storage sector despite a slowdown in firsthalf installations.

indian energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by the end of June, according to Mercom India’s ‘India’s Energy Storage Landscape 1H 2025 Report.’ Karnataka accounted for 33% of national capacity, Chhattisgarh 24%, and Gujarat 16%. Solar-plus-storage systems represented nearly 56% of cumulative installed capacity. Solar-plus-wind projects with round-the-clock capability contributed over 32%, while standalone battery energy storage systems accounted for more than 12%. The remaining share came from floating solar with storage and solar-plus-wind projects with storage capabilities.

the country also has 5 GW of operational pumped storage capacity as of the report’s publication.

As the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress opens today, Members are preparing to vote on a historic motion that could redefine the future of global conservation by tackling the world’s biggest threat to nature: fossil fuels. Motion 42: ‘Addressing the climate and biodiversity crises through fossil fuel supply-side measures and a just transition’ calls on the IUCN to develop guidance, analysis, and pathways for a fair and funded phaseout of coal, oil, and gas- placing fossil fuel supply at the heart of conservation for the first time in the IUCN’s history. If adopted, the motion would make the IUCN the first major environmental body to formally call for international cooperation toward a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty-a new global framework to stop fossil fuel expansion, equitably phase out existing production, and enable a just transition for workers and communities.

Ba ngladesh stands at a critical juncture in its energy journey today. For decades, our economic growth has relied heavily on imported fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal.

these fuels have powered industries, cities, and rural communities. Still, at the same time, they have made us vulnerable to global market volatility, rising import bills, and the growing threats of climate change.

as the world rapidly shifts towards renewable energy, Bangladesh faces both a challenge and a tremendous opportunity. Renewable energy is not just a technical solution-it is essential for economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress. Policy Progress After 17 Years After nearly 17 years, the government has introduced the Renewable Energy Policy 2025. This policy sets a clear roadmap for the country’s future energy mix. It mandates that by 2030, at least 20% of electricity must come from renewable sources, and by 2040, the share must rise to 30%. Key incentives introduced under this new policy include: l A 10-year full tax holiday for renewable energy producers, followed by a partial tax exemption. l Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO): Large electricity consumers will be required to purchase a specific portion of their power from renewable sources. l Expanded Net Metering: Enabling households, businesses, and industries to sell excess rooftop solar electricity back to the national grid.

these measures send a strong signal to domestic and international investors that Bangladesh is moving beyond planning and stepping into implementation. Current Status and Challenges Currently, less than 5% of Bangladesh’s total electricity generation comes from renewable sources, with solar power contributing the majority.

in rural areas, more than 8 million solar home systems have brought light and opportunities for small businesses, dramatically improving lives. However, large grid-connected solar projects face multiple challenges: l Complications in land acquisition. l Lack of accessible bank financing and low-cost funding options. l Technical limitations in grid integration for renewable energy.

the government has set a bold target of achieving 3,000 MW of rooftop solar capacity by December 2025. But the current installed capacity is only 245 MW. Bridging this massive gap will be extremely difficult, yet it also highlights the untapped potential across industrial rooftops, commercial buildings, and urban spaces.

a National Necessity: No Alternative to Renewables Bangladesh is facing a shortage of domestic energy resources, coupled with a foreign currency crisis due to the heavy cost of importing fossil fuels.

at the same time, the government is under pressure to reduce subsidies on conventional energy. For these reasons, there is no alternative but to rapidly advance the renewable energy sector to ensure long-term energy security. To accelerate this transition, immediate and substantial incentives must be provided to attract investment and drive faster adoption of renewable energy solutions. Financing Hurdles: $2 Billion Needed Annually The greatest challenge to reaching renewable energy targets is financing. Research shows that until 2030, the sector will need approximately $980 million annually.

after 2030, the investment requirement will rise even further, with an average annual need of around $2 billion to continue scaling renewable energy development. Without securing this massive level of financing, progress in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector will face serious setbacks. Key concerns for international lenders include l Foreign exchange rate volatility. l Lack of policy continuity and bureaucratic hurdles in project approvals. l Financial instability of power utilities as off-takers. Proposed solutions to unlock financing l Launching green bonds and blended finance models to reduce investment risks. l Encouraging public-private partnerships (PPP) for large-scale projects. l Introducing credit risk guarantees to secure investor confidence. l Incentivizing domestic banks to finance renewable energy projects. Recent Crisis: Impact of 37 Project Cancellations Recently, the government canceled 37 Letters of Intent (LOIs) for solar power projects.

this decision has delivered a major blow to the sector.

thousands of crores of taka invested by local and foreign entrepreneurs are now at risk.

the sudden cancellations have damaged Bangladesh’s image internationally, making investors hesitant and threatening to slow future investment flows into the renewable energy sector.

instead of abrupt cancellations, projects should be professionally evaluated, and solutions should be discussed in collaboration with investors.

otherwise, the sector risks being perceived as a testing ground rather than a serious national priority, which would harm longterm growth and investor confidence.

unlocking Rooftop Solar Potential Rooftop solar energy offers a powerful solution, particularly for industrial facilities.

it can strengthen energy security while improving Bangladesh’s competitive position in the global market. Key actions needed include l Mandatory energy audits for factories to maximize rooftop solar utilization. l Launching a Solar Performance Monitoring System (SPMS) for real-time performance tracking. l Designing standardized rooftop structures to ensure safety and efficiency. l Enforcing long-term maintenance contracts to keep systems operational. l Simplifying and digitalizing grid connection processes. l Reducing the 30-60% import duties and VAT on panels, inverters, and related equipment to make solar systems more affordable.

the government should also introduce easy installment-based solar packages, especially for rural farmers and lowincome households. VAT, Taxes, and Industrial Sector Challenges Renewable energy equipment remainshighly expensive in Bangladesh. Solar panels, inverters, mounting structures, batteries, and other components are priced beyond the reach of average consumers due to high import duties and VAT, currently ranging from 30% to 60%. Recommended measures l Gradually reduce import duties and VAT on renewable energy components. l Offer tax holidays and investment incentives to encourage local manufacturing. l Establish special economic zones (SEZs) dedicated to renewable energy production. l Promote world-class manufacturing facilities through policy support. Reducing costs will boost industrial competitiveness and enable more households and businesses to adopt solar energy solutions.

ensuring Quality and Standards Long-term success depends on maintaining quality and reliability. Currently, low-grade panels and inverters are entering the market, which shortens the lifespan of projects and erodes public confidence. Necessary Actions l Mandate joint inspections by utility representatives during installation. l Implement strict certification processes for every project. l Expand technical centers and training programs for technicians. l Build a skilled workforce with proper certifications to ensure quality control. High-quality systems will increase public trust and restore international investor confidence. Beyond Electricity: The Wider Potential of Renewables Renewable energy’s impact goes beyond electricity production.

it can be the foundation of sustainable economic and social development: l Energy Storage and Smart Grids: Essential for efficiently integrating solar and wind power. l Electric Vehicles (EVs): Reducing dependence on imported oil and cutting pollution. l Clean Cooking Solutions: Protecting health and the environment for rural households. l Green Industries: Powering garments and manufacturing with renewables to stay competitive in global markets. Policy Stability and International Cooperation To increase foreign investment, the government must ensure policy stability and transparency. Sudden decisions, such as canceling LOIs, discourage investors.

additional steps include: l Establishing a one-stop service center for approvals and processes. l Developing special economic zones (SEZs) focused on renewable energy. l Setting up international-standard training centers for technical expertise.

offering tax incentives and reduced tariffs for foreign investors. If the government takes bold action, Bangladesh can quickly position itself as a hub for renewable energy investment in South Asia. Conclusion Renewable energy is not just a sectoral goal-it is a national mission.

its successful implementation will shape the future of Bangladesh’s economy, environment, and society. With dwindling domestic energy resources, foreign currency shortages, and pressure to cut energy subsidies, there is no alternative but to push the renewable energy sector forward. Immediate incentives and bold measures are urgently needed to secure the nation’s energy independence and protect its future. Bangladesh has already inspired the world with its solar home system initiatives. Now, it’s time to transform these smallscale successes into industrial-scale infrastructure.

the bold and realistic decisions we make today will determine whether Bangladesh becomes a green, secure, and sustainable energy leader tomorrow. ‘Solar power in every home’ should not remain a mere slogan-it must become the foundation of Bangladesh’s energy security

With increasing heat and humidity, Bangladesh has been experiencing severe adverse weather phenomena that are making life and livelihoods ever more challenging.

the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has predicted that heat waves in the coming decades will become more frequent, with daily temperatures expected to exceed 35°C even beyond the summer season.

the country’s agricultural sector has already been recording lower yields for rice and other crops due to extreme weather conditions.

the health situation has also deteriorated as extreme heat triggers widespread illnesses, including diarrhea, persistent cough, respiratory diseases, and heat exhaustion.

a recently released research report titled ‘An Unsustainable Life: The Impacts of Heat on Health and the Economy of Bangladesh,’ published on September 16, 2025, by the World Bank in Dhaka, revealed that Bangladesh’s maximum temperature has risen by 1.1°C since 1980. However, the ‘feels-like’ temperature has surged by 4.4°C.

the World Bank study established measurable links between rising temperatures and increased risks to physical and mental health, declining productivity, and major economic losses in Bangladesh.

according to the report, higher heat levels in 2024 led to a loss of 250 million workdays, costing the national economy up to US$1.78 billion. People living below the poverty line have been the hardest hit, as their already poor working and living conditions have worsened amid rising temperatures.

the lack of safe drinking water and minimal hygiene facilities has become more common, leaving poor communities- particularly women in unplanned urban settlements and drought-prone rural areas-especially vulnerable during heat waves.

according to The Guardian (September 28, 2025), India’s capital, New Delhi, experienced daytime temperatures of up to 40°C in early April 2025.

the heat waves caused heat exhaustion among construction and agricultural workers in northern India, including Delhi.

the situation forced Delhi hospitals to set up special ‘heat wards,’ equipped with icefilled tubs to treat patients suffering from heat-related emergencies.

excessively high night-time temperatures in Delhi also drove up air conditioner use as people struggled to keep indoor areas cool.

india’s rising demand for air conditioning has become a majortopic of discussion. Reports suggest that air conditioning accounts for about 40% of electricity use in Mumbai.

in Saudi Arabia, more than half of peak summer electricity consumption goes toward cooling, forcing the Kingdom to burn roughly one billion barrels of oil annually. The United States uses as much electricity to cool its buildings as the entire continent of Africa consumes for all purposes. China and India are rapidly catching up with the U.S.

in energy use for cooling.

india, now the third-largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter after the U.S.

and China, faces mounting pressure to increase electricity generation to meet growing demand, including for cooling. About 70% of India’s total electricity generation currently comes from coal, which also accounts for half of its total commercial energy supply. Meanwhile, under President Trump’s administration, the United States has been encouraging more drilling for oil and gas, offering incentive packages to revive coal mining and expand coal burning.

european Union countries, facing energy shortfalls and dips in renewable energy output, are also increasing their use of oil, gas, and coal, reversing earlier trends toward lower fossil fuel reliance.

according to The New York Times (September 29, 2025), the Trump administration plans to revive coal mining and burning by offering $625 million to rescue coal industries.

the plan includes upgrading existing coal plants to extend their lifespan, opening 13.1 million acres of federal land for mining, and removing pollution limits to support the struggling sector.

the U.S.

environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would repeal numerous regulations set under President Biden to curb emissions of carbon dioxide, mercury, and other pollutants from coal plants.

the EPA also intends to revise costly wastewater pollution limits from power plants. Coal once supplied nearly half of U.S. electricity but accounted for just 16% last year. Stricter air and water pollution rules have made coal mining and burning increasingly expensive.

under the new plan, the U.S. government aims to reduce royalty rates for coal mining.

against the backdrop of surging electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, air conditioning, and utilities, the Trump administration has decided to keep 50 coal-fired power units operating beyond their scheduled closure dates. More plants could remain active as pollution restrictions are relaxed. Globally, electricity consumption for air conditioning alone is expected to rise 33-fold by 2100, as urbanization and incomes increase in developing countries.

india currently emits about 3.06 billion tonnes of CO2 annually.

its per capita emissions stand at 2.13 tonnes per year, compared to the global average of 4.7 tonnes.

the world is now projected to use more energy for cooling than for heating. A study by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency predicted that by 2060, global energy consumption for cooling will surpass that for heating.

the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that global residential air-conditioning demand will rise from 300 terawatt-hours per year in 2000 to 4,000 terawatt-hours in 2050 and 10,000 terawatt-hours by 2100.

unfortunately, this growing demand for cooling threatens to increase greenhouse gas emissions and further heat the planet. Most electricity used for air conditioning and refrigeration still comes from burning fossil fuels, making GHG pollution-mainly carbon dioxide-an unavoidable byproduct of cooling energy use.

additionally, refrigerant gases such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which can be up to 4,000 times more potent than CO2, often leak and worsen environmental pollution. Rising temperatures have relatively smaller impacts on wealthy nations, which possess stronger infrastructure and financial and technological capacity to adapt. Poorer countries, however, bear the brunt of the crisis. Rapid, unplanned urbanization, deforestation, and high population density have led to the loss of wetlands and green cover in Bangladesh.

at the same time, migration to urban centers has triggered haphazard construction, with dense clusters of buildings that absorb and re-emit solar heat more than natural landscapes.

this has intensified the ‘urban heat island effect,’ where concentrated concrete structures, asphalt roads, and high-energy commercial activities trap heat, raising local temperatures.

as a result, urban residents increasingly rely on air conditioning, which releases more heat into the surrounding environment, creating a vicious cycle of rising temperatures and energy use. Considering the severe environmental and economic implications, Bangladesh urgently needs a radical review of its development policies, particularly its urban development strategy.

expanding green coverage, protecting forests, preserving homestead vegetation, conserving water bodies, and maintaining open spaces in cities could help mitigate the problem. At the same time, urban planners and implementing agencies should explore how better use of natural light and ventilation can promote energy conservation and support sustainable living.