Category: Energy and Power

Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected by Gramme Storage 1 to deliver a 50 MW / 100MWh battery energy storage system in centraleastern Belgium.

through the Gramme 1 project, Wärtsilä and Gramme Storage 1 will support Belgium’s transition toward a more sustainable, ef?cient, renewable energy system. Construction is now underway and the site is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.

the order was booked in Q2 2025. ‘This project with Wärtsilä underscores our commitment to dependable, ?exible energy in Belgium’, said Guillaume Poncelet, Managing Director at Kallima Energies – the Liège based developer of the project. ‘This collaboration highlights the growing role of battery energy storage in supporting Belgium’s electricity system. By delivering essential ancillary services, the system will play a vital role in balancing the grid.’ Gramme 1 represents Wärtsilä’s ?rst energy storage project participating in Belgium’s Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM).

Fr om both ?nancial and technical perspectives, Bangladesh’s power and energy sector is currently in a vulnerable state.

the most pressing challenge is the shortage of primary fuel.

at present, more than 56% of the country’s combined power and energy supply depends on imports.

the exploration and extraction of domestic gas and coal resources could signi?cantly reduce this dependence. However, such initiatives require substantial investment and long implementation periods.

in contrast, expanding renewable energy offers a faster and comparatively lower-cost solution to ease import pressure.

over the past two decades, despite extensive discussions and policy frameworks, renewable energy expansion has lacked effective implementation planning.

as a result, Bangladesh’s total renewable electricity generation capacity-both grid and off-grid-stands at around 1,700 MW, of which 1,317 MW is grid-connected.

this includes: ? Hydropower: 230 MW ? Solar: 1,025 MW ? Wind: 62 MW Current Power Generation Mix Bangladesh’s total installed power generation capacity exceeds 28,000 MW, distributed as follows: ? Gas-based: 12,000 MW ? Coal-based: 7,000 MW ? Furnace oil-based: 6,000 MW ? Electricity imports from India and Nepal: 2,500 MW In 2024, just slightly over 2% of electricity supplied came from renewable sources. Compared to last year, peak demand has increased by approximately 1,000 MW.

as a result, expensive furnace-oilbased generation may be required not only during peak hours but also during daytime to meet demand.

economic Reality: A Dollar Drain Bangladesh spends approximately US$13.2 billion annually on energy and power imports. Meanwhile, domestic natural gas production continues to decline at an average rate of 150-200 MMCFD /year.

it is projected that this year, the combined cost of energy imports and loan repayments will reachUS$24 billion annually, or nearly US$2.0 billion per month. When such a large share of foreign currency is spent on fuel imports, capital machinery imports decline, industrialization slows, and employment opportunities shrink.

in this context, renewable energy is not just an environmental alternative-it is an economic survival strategy. Why Renewable Energy Makes Economic Sense 1. Foreign Currency Savings Replacing imported oil, coal, and LNG with domestic solar and wind power will conserve valuable foreign exchange. 2.

accelerated Industrialization Saved foreign currency can be redirected toward capital machinery imports and industrial expansion. 3. Lower Long-Term Power Costs With proper planning, electricity can be generated at Tk 5-7 per unit. 4.

investment Attraction Stable policies can attract signi?cant domestic and foreign investment. 5.

employment Generation Large-scale renewable deployment can create hundreds of thousands of jobs in manufacturing, installation, operation, and maintenance. Bangladesh has already made notable progress in rural electri?cation through solar home systems. However, the time has now come for large-scale grid-connected solar and wind power development. Policy Support: What is Urgently Needed? 1. Land and Transmission Readiness The government should identify suitable land-especially khas land or acquisition-ready land near grid substations-for solar and wind projects. Pre-arranged transmissioninfrastructure will signi?cantly accelerate implementation.

a district-based coordination mechanism involving Deputy Commissioners (DC), Additional Deputy Commissioners (Land), Assistant Commissioners (Land), and Executive Engineers of substations could ensure effective planning. 2. Full Duty Exemption on Equipment Complete duty exemption on solar panels, inverters, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), wind turbines, and related equipment will reduce generation costs and boost investment. 3. Low-Interest Green Financing Banks should provide long-term ?nancing at concessional rates.

the central bank can expand green ?nance schemes to support renewable projects. 4.

tax Holidays A 5-10 year tax holiday will strengthen investor con?dence. 5.

integration of BESS in the Grid Adding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to grid substations is essential to ensure a stable supply, manage peak loads, and address intermittency challenges.

integrated River-Centric Development Model As a riverine country, Bangladesh can adopt an integrated development approach along major riverbanks, combining: ? River dredging ? Riverbank protection ? Road construction ? Solar power projects Potential Bene?ts: 1.

improved navigability through dredging 2. Riverbank protection and infrastructure development 3.

expansion of cultivable land 4. Sustainable development of char (river island) regions 5. Reduced transportation costs via waterways 6. Strengthened rural economies 7. Creation of over 2 million jobs across construction, operations, logistics, and support sectors A 1-3 Year Renewable Acceleration Plan If the new government prioritizes rooftop and utility-scale solar under a structured 1-, 2-, and 3-year action plan, Bangladesh could add at least 3,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2026-2028.

to achieve this, renewable energy expansion must be placed at the center of the government’s 180-day priority program. Conclusion: A Strategic Choice for Bangladesh Bangladesh now stands at a strategic crossroads. Will we continue to spend billions annually on imports, increasing economic pressure? Or will we move toward a self-reliant, employmentdriven, and sustainable energy future? With the right policy support, land preparation, ?nancial incentives, and grid modernization, renewable energy can become: A tool for foreign currency savings A driver of industrial growth A foundation for rural development A source of millions of jobs A pathway to a sustainable and secure Bangladesh The time for bold decisions has arrived.

a large-scale transition to renewable energy must now become a national priority.

Turboden, part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has energized what it calls the world’s largest steam-producing heat pump, delivering 12 MWth of superheated steam using lowgrade waste heat and CO2-free electricity with a coef?cient of performance 10% above its guaranteed value of 2.

turboden, an Italian manufacturer of organic rankine cycle (ORC) systems, has announced the startup of what it de?ned as the world’s largest steamproducing heat pump.

the company, part of Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said the project consists of a large heat pump (LHP) coupled with mechanical vapor recompression (MVR).

TotalEnergies faces cutting back oil and gas production if NGOs prevail in a trial that began recently over accusations the French energy giant failed to properly consider environmental risks.

the case, brought by several NGOs and the city of Paris, is based upon a 2017 law that imposed a ‘duty of vigilance’ on large companies.

the law seeks to counter companies of?oading responsibility onto subcontractors by requiring them to identify and prevent any risks toward human rights as well as the environment throughout their production chain, including overseas.

totalEnergies and the plaintiffs are at odds over the reach of the de?nition of the environment – whether it means risks on a local scale such as a polluted river or more broadly global warming.

the energy ?rm’s lawyers argued global warming is beyond the scope of the law. But a lawyer representing four NGOs including nonpro?t Sherpa told the court that ‘selling hydrocarbons to be burned creates an environmental risk’. ‘Is there really no link between global warming and the preservation of biodiversity or the prevention of air pollution?’ the lawyer stated.

Global energy leaders have renewed their commitment to accelerating renewable energy development at the two-day 2026 Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris, France.

the conference brought together senior of?cials from a record 54 countries, including around 40 energy ministers, alongside executives from 55 major energy companies worth $14 trillion collectively, and leaders from key intergovernmental organizations, according to a recent press release from the agency.

amid rising global energy demand and climate pressures, ministers emphasized advancing the transition to net-zero emissions, in line with COP28 outcomes. Dutch Deputy Prime Minister and Climate Minister Sophie Hermans, who chaired the meeting, highlighted the need for ‘secure, affordable, and sustainable energy-and resilient systems that can endure in an uncertain world.’ IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol described the event as the largest in the agency’s history, stressing that the IEA’s data and analysis remain crucial for guiding countries through evolving energy challenges.

the meeting approved expanded cooperation with Brazil, Colombia, India, and Vietnam, increasing the IEA’s coverage to more than 80% of global energy use.

At least eight people were injured in a gas cylinder explosion at a residential building in Halishahar area of Chattogram city recently.

the identities of the burn victims have been con?rmed.

they are: Md. Shipon (30), Md. Suman (40), Md. Shawon (17), Md.

anas (7), Md.

aiman (9), Shakhawat Hossain (46), Ayesha Akter (4), and Pakhi Akter (35). Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence Md Jasim Uddin said the explosion occurred on the third ?oor of a six-storey building in front of Abahani Club ground.

the explosion triggered a ?re in the building, leaving seven people including women and children with burn injuries.

The United States has issued a general license to India’s Reliance Industries Ltd that will allow the re?ner to buy Venezuelan oil directly without violating sanctions, two sources familiar with the matter said. Following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, US of?cials said Washington would ease sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s energy industry to facilitate a $2 billion oil supply deal between Caracas and Washington and an ambitious $100 billion reconstruction plan for the country’s oil industry. A general license authorizes the purchase, exportation, and sale of Venezuelanorigin oil that has already been extracted, including the re?ning of such oil. Handing a license to Reliance could speed up Venezuela’s oil exports and reduce crude costs for the operator of the world’s biggest re?ning complex.

PTT Exploration and Production Public Co. Ltd. (PTTEP) has reached a ?nal investment decision (FID) to develop the Malaysia SK405B project offshore Malaysia. PTT Exploration and Production Public Co. Ltd. (PTTEP) has reached a ?nal investment decision (FID) to develop the Malaysia SK405B project offshore Malaysia, marking its ?rst green?eld development project in the country. PTTEP Sarawak Oil Ltd., a subsidiary of PTTEP and operator of SK405B PSC will proceed with development of Sirung and Chenda ?elds.

the development plan for both ?elds comprises a central processing platform and a wellhead platform with a target combined production capacity of about 15,000 b/d and 200 MMscfd of gas. SK405B lies in shallow water offshore Sarawak.

the ?eld development plan, together with the FID, has been approved by the project partners, and the engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning (EPCIC) contract is expected to be signed in early 2026, with ?rst production anticipated in 2028

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmood Tuku recently said the additional charges imposed on electricity during the tenure of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be withdrawn soon, adding that a committee has already been formed in this connection. ‘Over the past 17 years, irregularities and large-scale ?nancial mismanagement weakened the power sector, particularly through capacity charge payments, which he claimed bene?ted individuals close to the previous administration,’ he said at Sirajganj Central Jame Mosque.

iqbal Hasan Mahmood stressed that electricity is the key to national development and said the government is now working to rebuild the fragile power sector.

Bangladesh’s power and energy sector stands at a critical crossroads.

over the past two decades, the country has built an impressive electricity infrastructure, achieving near-universal grid access and dramatically increasing generation capacity. Yet the underlying foundation has become increasingly fragile.

a parallel expansion did not match the rapid expansion of power plants in fuel supply, particularly domestic resources.

as a result, the sector now faces a structural imbalance that threatens both ?nancial stability and energy security.

one of the most pressing challenges is the growing dependence on imported fuel. Within just a few years, energy import dependence has risen from around 14 percent to more than 56 percent.

this shift has made the sector highly vulnerable to global price ?uctuations and foreign exchange pressures.

at the same time, domestic gas production has declined steadily due to inadequate exploration. Financial sustainability is another major concern.

the gap between electricity production costs and selling prices has forced the government to provide massive subsidies. Without restoring ?nancial discipline, the sector’s long-term viability will remain uncertain.

the new government, therefore, faces an urgent task.

its 180-day action plan must focus on strengthening governance, accelerating domestic gas exploration, expanding LNG import infrastructure, and reviving investor con?dence.

equally important is the rapid expansion of renewable energy and improvements in energy ef?ciency. Bangladesh has the opportunity to place its energy sector on a sustainable path.

achieving this, however, will require political commitment, transparency, and a balanced strategy that prioritizes both energy security and economic stability.