Category: Energy and Power

Bangladesh is preparing to significantly ramp up its liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from long-term suppliers next year, aiming to reduce dependence on costly and uncertain spot market purchases.

imports under long-term sales and purchase agreements (SPAs) are set to rise by more than 53 per cent in 2026, reaching 86 cargoes compared with 56 this year, according to officials.

the state-run Petrobangla expects the increased volumes to come from newly signed SPAs with QatarEnergy, Oman’s OQ Trading, and US-based Excelerate Energy, alongside its existing arrangements. At the same time, spot market purchases are projected to fall by over 38 per cent, easing exposure to volatile prices.

the additional cargoes will come from the new suppliers that signed sales and purchase agreements (SPAs) with staterun Petrobangla in 2023.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has received dramatically lower tariff offers for its ambitious nationwide solar power projects, a development that not only signals a new era for the country’s renewable energy sector but also promises substantial savings on electricity generation costs.

the average tariff quoted by bidders across tenders stands at 8.27 US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) – a massive 37.77% reduction from the current average solar generation cost of 13.29 cents, BPDB officials confirmed. This competitive pricing is largely attributed to the BPDB’s recent shift to an open, competitive bidding process and a steep decline in global solar panel prices.

the new average tariff of 8.27 cents is also significantly lower than the costs of unsolicited solar projects approved under the previous government, with tariffs falling by as much as 21% compared to those earlier deals.

the tariff reduction is a direct result of a policy shift following the change in government last year.

the BPDB cancelled the Letters of Intent (LoIs) for 34 unsolicited solar plants (totalling 2,344MW) that were approved by the former Awami League government. Subsequently, between December 2024 and March 2025, the BPDB floated international tenders in four separate packages for 55 gridconnected solar power plants with a combined capacity of 5,238MW

As the world edges closer towards a more perilous present than ever, people from all over the planet are striving to adapt and innovate to preserve the future. The Earthshot Prize was founded by HRH Prince William of the United Kingdom in 2020 to tackle the most important climate issues by 2030.

the Earthshot Prize Finalists are climate leaders from every corner of the globe and every kind of organization.

inspired directly by former US president John F. Kennedy’s famous ‘Moonshot’ project, which united people to achieve the goal of landing a man on the moon. The Earthshot Prize aims to inspire optimism and mobilize decades of action for the planet by identifying and supporting groundbreaking leadership and cutting-edge solutions in five key areas. They represent the most ambitious and inspiring solutions to the planet’s greatest challenges across five Earthshots- categories within which each competing organization is classified, depending on the areas of their work. Friendship has been nominated as a finalist in the ‘Fix Our Climate’ Earthshot category.

Two people, including an army personnel, died from electrocution at a temporary army camp in Rampal, Bagerhat.

the incident occurred recently on the roof of the camp located inside the Rampal coal-based power plant.

the deceased were army soldier Md.

arif Hasan (27) and private employee Dhopa Hasib Khan (19). Rampal police officer-incharge (OC) Atikur Rahman said Hasib, who worked as washerman, got entangled in an electric wire while bringing dry clothes to the camp roof. Soldier Arif, was electrocuted while trying to rescue Hasib. Both were taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical condition but died on the way

Few countries illustrate the challenges and opportunities of Just Transition as clearly as Bangladesh.

on one hand, Bangladesh is one of the most climatevulnerable nations in the world, as per the World Risk Index, ninth for Climate disaster risk (2023).

almost one-fifth of its land lies less than one meter above sea level.

each year, millions face the threat of cyclones, floods, saline water intrusion, and drought. So, climate change is not a distant worry for Bangladesh; it is already shaping daily life, from migration to food production.

on the other hand, Bangladesh has minimal fossil resources.

apart from natural gas and a small amount of coal, the country has little of its own.

ironically, despite this scarcity, Bangladesh has built an energy system that is heavily fossil-dependent.

imported oil, coal, and LNG play a major role in power generation.

this has made the country vulnerable to price shocks and created a huge fiscal burden from subsidies. There is another side to this story. Bangladesh has enormous renewable energy potential.

the country’s location gives it abundant sunshine for solar rooftops and utility-scale solar parks.

its coastal winds can power turbines. Biogas from agriculture, livestock, and waste-to-energy can be another untapped resource.

if developed properly, these resources could provide a reliable, affordable, and clean energy for Bangladesh.

the irony is that Bangladesh has very little fossil fuel, yet its power sector depends heavily on imported fossil fuels.

at the same time, it has enormous renewable energy potential, but very little of it is being used.

the challenge is how to move from an import-dependent fossil system to a home-grown renewable energy, while making sure workers and communities are not left behind, protecting agricultural land and food security, the environment, and climate change.

a Climate-Exposed, Fossil-FuelDependent Economy Bangladesh’s energy transition begins from a place of deep contradiction. According to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), the country’s total installed generation capacity stood at 31,505 MW (with captive) as of August 2025 (BPDB). Peak demand recorded 16,794 MW, exposing the inefficiencies of an overbuilt and underutilized power system. What’s more concerning is how this capacity is powered. Despite having minimal coal or oil reserves, Bangladesh relies on imported LNG, furnace oil, and coal for more than half of its electricity generation. From FY2019-20 to FY2023-24, the BPDB received a cumulative subsidy of US$10.64 billion (IEEFA), much of it directed toward covering the rising costs of fossil fuels in the global market.

this reliance makes Bangladesh highly vulnerable to external shocks, as seen in the energy crisis following the Ukraine war. Within just two months of the conflict, the country’s most successful sector, touted by the last regime, fell into rolling blackouts, fiscal stress, and mounting pressure on foreigncurrency reserves, proving that the power sector is truly fragile and unsustainable. Unfortunately, the country did not learn from this shock or take meaningful actions to make it sustainable. Renewables: High Potential, Low Penetration Bangladesh enjoys high solar irradiance, ranging from 4.5 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day, ideal for solar power generation.

the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) estimates that the country has a solar potential of 50,000 MW and significant wind potential in coastal regions.

in Bangladesh, renewable energy makes up only about 5% of the total installed capacity.

in contrast, Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan have achieved 63%, 48%, and 47% respectively (IEEFA).

unfortunately, Bangladesh has also failed to learn from the energy transition experiences of its neighboring countries.

this disparity isn’t due to a lack of potential. Rather, it reflects a combination of policy delays and a persistent bias toward fossil fuel expansion. Policy Aspirations and Uncertainty There is a clear inconsistency in Bangladesh’s energy policies.

the Renewable Energy Policy of 2008 set a target of achieving 10% renewable energy by 2020, a goal that was not met.

one of the main reasons was the influence of the Power System Master Plans (PSMP) of 2010 and 2016, which prioritized fossil fuel-based development, especially coal and LNG.

in contrast, the Bangladesh Climate Prosperity Plan (BCPP) has set a target of 30% renewable energy by 2030 and 40% by 2040. Similarly, the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023 has set a target of 40% clean energy, including hydrogen and nuclear by 2041, which directly contradicts the goals of a just energy transition and prioritizing renewable energy. Since the interim government came to power, some policy changes have been observed. Notable among these are the repeal of the controversial Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provision) Act 2010, the reinstatement of Section 34(Ka) of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Act, the adoption of the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, and the launch of the National Rooftop Solar Program 2025.

the Renewable Energy Policy 2025 sets targets of 20% renewable energy by 2030 and 30% by 2040, while the National Rooftop Solar Program aims to generate 3,000 MW of rooftop solar power by 2025.

it shows that energy policies and plans highlight a persistent lack of coordination and coherence.

one of the main reasons for this inconsistency is the absence of a comprehensive national policy or guiding framework for developing the energy and power sectors. While civil society has already drafted the Bangladesh National Energy Transition Policy 2024 and continues to advocate for its adoption, no visible positive initiatives have yet been taken by the government. Despite policy inconsistencies, there are several notable obstacles to scaling up renewable energy in Bangladesh. Land and Food Security Bangladesh is a land-scarce country with a dense population and ongoing food security challenges. Since arable land is at a premium, large-scale solar projects can often conflict with agriculture.

a typical solar farm requires 3-5 acres of land per MW, raising serious concerns about food security and rural livelihoods. Grid Infrastructure and Storage Bangladesh’s national grid is designed for centralized, fossil-fueled power, not decentralized, variable renewables. Lack of smart grid infrastructure, energy storage, and grid balancing mechanisms restricts the ability to absorb renewable power. Financing and Investment Gaps Bangladesh needs nearly US$1.0 billion annually until 2030 to meet its new renewable energy targets, with investments ramping up to US$1.371.46 billion annually by 2040.

this funding is necessary to achieve the goal of generating 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 30% by 2040 (IEEFA).

one of the biggest obstacles to renewable energy expansion in Bangladesh is the persistence of high fossil fuel subsidies. Capacity payments to idle plants and fuel subsidies continue to consume a large share of public resources, leaving very little fiscal space for investment in renewables.

alongside this, investors face significant perceived risks. Currency instability, frequent regulatory changes, and the lack of reliable guarantees discourage many foreign investors from committing long-term capital. Domestic finance is also constrained. Local banks typically operate with shortterm lending horizons, which are not well-suited for renewable energy projects that require financing over 15 to 20 years. On top of this, the country struggles with a weak project pipeline.

there are too few bankable projects ready for financing, partly due to the lack of feasibility studiesand unresolved issues around land or rooftop access.

opportunities: Building a PeopleCentered Renewable Economy In Bangladesh, around 56% of total electricity generation is consumed by households, while industry accounts for 28%, commercial for 11%, and other sectors for the remaining 5%.

a significant share of residential consumers live in villages, where there is strong potential to expand renewable energy, particularly solar power, by making use of the densely populated rural villages.

this, however, requires innovative approaches and targeted initiatives.

at the same time, there is considerable scope for expanding rooftop solar systems in industries and commercial establishments, including educational institutions and government offices. The National Rooftop Solar Program is, therefore, a timely and strategic step in the right direction. Moreover, a well-planned energy transition offers multiple opportunities for Bangladesh, from strengthening energy security and reducing import dependence to creating new jobs, improving air quality, and supporting climate resilience.

a shift to renewable energy could open up wide-ranging opportunities for Bangladesh.

the solar and wind sectors alone have the potential to create tens of thousands of skilled jobs in installation, operations, and maintenance that are urgently needed for the country’s growing workforce.

off-grid solar solutions can bring electricity to remote villages still beyond the reach of the national grid, improving livelihoods and enabling new forms of economic activity.

over time, the expansion of renewables can also reduce Bangladesh’s exposure to volatile global fuel prices, saving billions in foreign exchange that is currently spent on energy imports.

equally important, renewable energy strengthens resilience. Decentralized and distributed systems, such as rooftop solar or community-based mini-grids, are less vulnerable to disruption and can continue providing power during floods, cyclones, or other disasters, an essential consideration for one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries.

a just transition can also empower communities in practical ways. Solar irrigation reduces reliance on costly diesel in agriculture, while biogas and clean cookstoves not only lower emissions but also improve rural health outcomes.

these examples show that the benefits of an energy transition are not confined to economics; they extend to social development, environmental sustainability, and community wellbeing. Bangladesh at COP30: Championing Climate Justice As the world heads toward COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025, Bangladesh has an important role to play in advancing the Just Transition Work Program adopted at COP28. For a country highly vulnerable to climate change and heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, COP30 is not just another global summit; it is an opportunity to push for a fairer international system that supports a people-centered energy transition.

one of the most urgent needs for Bangladesh is a financial system that truly works. Climate finance must move beyond lofty pledges and debt-heavy loans. What Bangladesh requires is predictable, grantbased funding that can directly support renewable energy expansion and protect fiscal stability. Without such finance, ambitious energy targets risk remaining out of reach.

technology access is another critical priority. Renewable solutions such as battery storage and advanced grid software remain costly and often locked behind patents. For countries like Bangladesh, COP30 should be a platform to demand open-source innovation, technology transfer, and stronger South-South cooperation to make clean technologies affordable and scalable.

equally important is the global recognition of vulnerability. Bangladesh should press for adaptation and resilience financing under the Loss and Damage Fund, ensuring that energy security and equity are addressed alongside climate risks. The country’s experience with cyclones, flooding, and rising sea level and salinity makes clear that resilience is not optional; it is central to a just transition. Finally, the way we measure success must evolve.

a just transition cannot be judged only by reductions in CO2. For Bangladesh, the true test will be whether jobs are created, inequality is reduced, and communities and the environment are protected. Metrics must reflect these broader dimensions of justice, not just emissions figures.

in short, COP30 presents Bangladesh with an opportunity to push for finance, technology, recognition, and justice-pillars that can make the Just Transition Work Program meaningful for those who need it most. Finally, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, highly vulnerable to climate change yet rich in renewable potential. To secure a just and sustainable future, it must align its policies, mobilize finance, and embrace people-centered solutions. COP30 offers a critical opportunity for Bangladesh to champion climate justice and turn ambition into action

Italy’s Council of Ministers, at a meeting chaired by President Giorgia Meloni, has approved for final consideration a bill delegating responsibility for the reintroduction of nuclear energy in the country to the government.

the bill empowers the government to comprehensively regulate the introduction of ‘sustainable’ nuclear power, within the framework of European decarbonization policies by 2050 and energy security objectives. The mandate includes, among other things, the development of a National Program for Sustainable Nuclear Power, the establishment of an independent Nuclear Safety Authority, the strengthening of scientific and industrial research, the development of new skills, and the implementation of information and awareness campaigns.

the implementing legislative decrees must be adopted within 12 months of the law’s entry into force. ‘The bill aims to comprehensively address the production of energy from sustainable nuclear and fusion sources, incorporating it into the Italian energy mix to achieve energy independence and decarbonization goals,’ the Council of Ministers said.

Since the period of British domination in the Indian subcontinent, the landmass now forming Bangladesh has been influenced by the prevailing energy policy of India. Coal was the mainstay of energy input for different sectors of the economy, a trend that continued unabated during the Pakistan period and carried into the energy scenario of Bangladesh.

it was only in the mid-1970s that natural gas, available in the country, became the principal source of power, partly for electricity generation and also for industrial purposes.

incidentally, during this period, natural gas became a globally popular fuel compared to petroleum, drawing worldwide attention. Bangladesh, as a prominent source of sweet natural gas, secured a significant place on the regional energy map. From 1980 to 2000, natural gas remained the principal fuel in the country and climbed steadily to the top of the fuel utilization chart. However, as signs of depletion appeared from geological explorations, the lack of replenishing exhausted gas fields became alarming. With little prospect of discovering worldclass reserves to ensure a secure energy future, policymakers are haunted by the constant fear of unexpected blackouts due to insufficient gas for power stations. Bangladesh has small deposits of very high-quality, sulfur-free coal in the northern region of the country, though most lie at considerable depth.

these deposits could be exploited through underground mining, though in only one or two areas, open-cast mining might be possible.

to date, only a small part of these reserves is being utilized through underground mining to fuel a 300 MW coal-based power station.

energy policy in Bangladesh has long been influenced by global and regional politics. Continued reliance on importing costly coal, gas, LPG, or LNG would be increasingly risky and unsustainable, particularly given the volatile politicalclimate of the region and the strain of securing hard-earned foreign currency for payments. While exploration for oil and gas must continue-especially in unexplored onshore and offshore areas, including newly acquired deep-sea blocks-equal emphasis must be placed on renewable energy to ensure energy sovereignty. Among various renewable options such as solar, wind, tidal, hydro, and riverine sources, the kinetic energy of international rivers flowing into Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal may offer the most promising and permanent solution to the country’s energy challenges. Hydrokinetic energy devices harness the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate electricity.

these include tidal stream generators, free-flow turbines in rivers and streams, and ocean current turbines. Such devices operate by capturing natural water movements-tides, river currents, and ocean currents-through turbines or similar mechanisms that convert kinetic energy into electricity. Hydrokinetic technology holds significant promise for expanding renewable energy portfolios and is especially suitable for sustainable, round-the-clock power generation in areas with poor grid access.

although hydrokinetic energy has existed for centuries, it has been largely ignored. Land requirements pose major challenges for solar and wind projects, but water-based installations, particularly in canals and rivers, avoid this issue since waterways are already government-owned.

this approach could also create large-scale employment opportunities for rural populations in system maintenance.

as a riverine country, Bangladesh has immense potential to generate hydroelectric power from both major rivers and smaller waterways. Riverbank erosion, however, is one of Bangladesh’s most devastating disasters due to its massive impact on lives and property. Approximately 20 of the country’s 64 districts are highly susceptible, with about 8,700 hectares of land lost annually.

each year, some 200,000 people lose their homesteads or farmland.

the Jamuna River-one of the world’s largest braided rivers-experiences particularly severe erosion, displacing countless families and swallowing vast tracts of land. From 1973 to 2014, the Ganges, Jamuna, Padma, and Lower Meghna rivers eroded 182,000 hectares, while accretion added only 80,000 hectares-leaving a net erosion of 102,000 hectares, more than double the gain.

unlike fires, which leave the possibility of rebuilding, erosion represents complete annihilation, leaving families destitute with no trace of their homes or land.

authorities have tried to control erosion using hard structures such as groynes, spurs, revetments, and embankments. Yet, these methods have largely failed and sometimes worsened the problem. Harvard professor Peter Rogers concluded that ‘the physical force of Bengal rivers is so great that no amount of engineering works can withstand it’ and warned that embankment-based flood protection would likely lead to ‘waste and disappointment.’ Experience shows that Bangladeshi rivers require different solutions than those applied in Western contexts. Harnessing river kinetic energy offers such a solution. By generating electricity through hydrokinetic devices at strategic points along river flows, the velocity of water can be regulated, reducing opportunities for riverbank erosion. Similarly, controlled flow could direct sedimentation-including heavy minerals and potentially rare earth elements-to predetermined areas, improving resource recovery while reducing siltation problems.

thus, river current energy could simultaneously address erosion, improve navigation, provide irrigation, and generate affordable electricity nationwide.

the primary destructive force of rivers is their unregulated flow. Yet this very force has never been harnessed in Bangladesh, aside from the topographically unique Kaptai hydroelectric project.

advances in turbine design now allow even small amounts of energy input to produce significant electricity outputs from river currents.

this opportunity should be studied by experts and international companies specializing in water turbines. Projects combining barrages, dams, pumped storage, and hydrokinetic turbines could regulate water currents, reduce erosion, improve siltation control, aid navigation, and provide irrigation systems. Moreover, controlled sand deposition could allow for quality forecasting and scientific placer mining of sands and heavy minerals, offering potential for both domestic use and export. Historically, Bangladesh’s water resources have been limited to irrigation and transport.

abundant natural gas made it unnecessary to consider alternatives for decades. But with fast-depleting reserves, no new discoveries, and growing global restrictions on fossil fuels, the country must now explore renewable alternatives. Among these, flowing water presents the most practical and locally available option, free from the risks of fuel importsA specialized center should be established to conduct a comprehensive technoeconomic feasibility study on harnessing river kinetic energy for electricity generation in Bangladesh.

this center would need multidisciplinary expertise in hydrogeology, hydrology, river morphology, and related fields.

it should study historical and current river behavior, the impact of major bridges, lessons from the Kaptai project, and integration with the national grid. International turbine manufacturers with expertise in hydrokinetic technology should also play a key role. Such an independent center, under the Energy Division, would need strong political and institutional backing, as well as collaboration with international experts. With the right vision, river currents could be transformed from a destructive force into a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s energy sovereignty and sustainable development.

on completion of the feasibility studies and after due diligence on the results and findings, and after threadbare examination of the outcome of the studies by a Third-party professional consulting team, the project, if it merits further engagements, would be taken up for implementation either in the form of: As a riverine country, Bangladesh has considerable potential for hydro power generation from major rivers and smaller waterways. Small hydro is not small.

it is a sleeping giant as yet. Let us wake it up together, It’s time has come

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan has said that no new gas connections will be provided to residential areas through pipelines. ‘There will be no more pipeline gas connections to residential areas. People must accustom to use gas cylinders,’ the adviser told reporters after inspecting a portion of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway at the Sarail-Bishwa Road intersection in the district recently. He said, ‘Our own gas production has significantly declined. We are currently importing gas at a cost of TK 60-65 (per litre).

under such circumstances it is no longer possible to supply gas to homes through pipelines.’ The adviser emphatically said that pipeline gas connections will only be provided for industrial consumption.

Superstar Renewable Energy Limited (SSREL), known as Super Star Solar, has proven its leadership in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector, making history with multiple prestigious wins at the nation’s most anticipated sustainability event – Bangladesh Clean Energy Week 2025.

this premier platform, where government leaders, industry pioneers, investors, and clean-tech innovators come together, became the stage where Superstar Solar’s innovation, commitment, and teamwork truly shone. Business Excellence Award – Additional Managing Director Sheikh Tofael Ahmed received this honor for Superstar Solar’s outstanding role in shaping and accelerating the clean energy transition in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Sustainability Leadership Award – Business Head and GM Md Ariful Islam was celebrated for his remarkable vision and leadership in driving sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Hybrid Project Award – Imran Hossain Chanchal, manager, project sales, and his team were honored for Superstar Solar’s iconic Hybrid Project, recognized as a game-changing initiative that embodies innovation, scalability, and a lasting positive impact on communities and the climate. Best Marketing Team Award (Team Excellence) – Led by Md Hossain Shahnewaz, head of marketing, and the Superstar Solar marketing team were honored for their creativity, collaboration, and ability to deliver powerful campaigns that drive transformation in the clean energy space.

The recent discovery of gas reserves at a well in northern Jamalpur district has prompted the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) to drill two more wells in the neighborhood, officials said recently. ‘The process of formulating a DPP (Development Project Proposal) is underway as part of our initiative to drill two more wells at the Jamalpur structure to gauge the reserve volume and extent of the gas field,’ an official familiar with the development said. He said one of the two proposed wells was aimed to explore and another is to develop the gas field. BAPEX, a subsidiary of Bangladesh Oil Gas and Mineral Corporation, more known as Petrobangla, discovered the gas reserve at the Jamalpur-1 well located at Madarganj Upazila of the district In June this year. Bangladesh currently has 22 onshore blocks and 26 offshore blocks. ‘We have discovered gas in block-8 for the first time in the country through drilling of Jamalpur-1 exploration well by BAPEX,’ said a Petrobangla official.

officials said their preliminary tests showed signs of gas at a depth of about 2,600 meters which was detected a gasbearing layer between 1,441 and 1,445 meters amid expert speculations of finding another layer further up in the Jamalpur-1.

they said the discovery came five months after the start of drilling marking the detection of the country’s 30th gas field which is expected boost the nation’s energy supply.