Category: Energy and Power

Daily life in 12 upazilas of Sunamganj has been thrown into disarray as residents endure up to 18 hours of loadshedding each day due to an acute power shortage. Consumers, particularly students appearing for the final examination, are the worst sufferers as the district has been left without electricity at night. During the day, elderly people struggle to cope with extreme heat without electricity, with small and medium business people facing financial losses.

Officials of Sunamganj Rural Electricity Cooperative said the district has 375,000 consumers under its coverage.

The demand for the electricity in the district is 70-75 MW but only 35-40 MW is supplied daily due to a national shortfall in electricity production, resulting in 50- 60 percent load shedding, according to them.

Millions of people worldwide now live with the adverse consequences of climate change on every single day, and Bangladesh is one of the nations most vulnerable.

Almost every year, Bangladesh experiences floods, cyclones, riverbank erosion, salinity intrusion, and erratic rainfall due to its low-lying terrain, dense population, and reliance on agriculture and rivers.

Bangladesh produces less than 0.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, which is a very small contribution. Despite this, the nation is committed to contributing to global climate action while simultaneously looking for assistance to safeguard its citizens and economy.

In this regard, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement becomes an essential instrument for Bangladesh, providing a framework that enables nations to collaborate, pool resources, and develop creative solutions to cut emissions and prepare for climate change.

Bangladesh’s climate vulnerability may be turned into a chance for resilient development and sustainable progress if Article 6 is understood and used appropriately.

The distinctive feature of Article 6 is that it establishes pathways for global cooperation via both market-based and non-market-based mechanisms.

By trading emission reductions across national borders, market mechanisms like carbon trading allow nations to fulfill a portion of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Conversely, non-market methods may not depend on financial transactions and instead emphasize collaborative ventures, information exchange, and capacity building.

These measures are useful avenues for Bangladesh to raise funds, gain access to new technologies, and expand climate-resilient projects that benefit millions of people in vulnerable regions; they are not just theoretical regulations.

The climatic profile of Bangladesh emphasizes how urgent this collaboration is.

The Global Climate Risk Index 2024 ranks Bangladesh among the top ten countries most affected by extreme weather events. Cyclone Amphan in 2020, for example, caused massive destruction along the coastal belt, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, damaging crops, and affecting livelihoods.

Similarly, riverbank erosion annually threatens thousands of families, forcing them to relocate and lose their land and homes. Forecasts indicate that if global warming persists uncontrolled, climate-related damages might cost Bangladesh up to 9% of its GDP by 2050.

Bangladesh’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) seek to cut emissions by 6.73% unconditionally and up to 21.85% conditionally by 2030 in light of this.

Article 6 is a strategic weapon in the nation’s climate toolbox since achieving these goals calls for both home and foreign assistance.

Article 6.2, one of the main elements of Article 6, permits nations to implement Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) in partnerships.

In short, ITMOs allow nations to receive credits for confirmed reductions in emissions that can be applied to their climate goals.

This system can generate genuine prospects for Bangladesh. For example, switching from conventional brick kilns to greener technologies like zigzag kilns, tunnel kilns, or hybrid Hoffman kilns can drastically cut carbon emissions.

These reductions can generate income for Bangladesh that can be used to fund more climate adaptation initiatives if they are validated and traded globally.

Similarly, ITMOs can be produced by growing solar energy projects, biogas facilities, and energy-efficient industrial systems, transforming regional climate action into international collaboration.

In addition to providing financial resources, these chances hasten the adoption of contemporary technology and sustainable practices, which are essential for a nation trying to strike a balance between environmental preservation and economic growth.

The Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is thought to have been replaced by the mitigation and sustainable development mechanism established in Article 6.4. Countries are able to carry out project-based emission reduction programs that produce internationally recognized credits thanks to this system.

Bangladesh stands to gain a great deal from this structure. Under this method, waste-to-energy programs, renewable energy projects, and natural solutions like Sundarbans mangrove restoration can all be eligible.

In addition to lowering emissions, these initiatives improve neighborhood resilience. Restoring mangroves along the shore, for instance, fortifies natural defenses against storm surges and cyclones, safeguarding agriculture, fisheries, and communities. Crucially, Article 6.4 highlights that mitigation strategies must support sustainable development, guaranteeing that initiatives offer co-benefits to the environment, society, and economy.

This can result in the creation of jobs for rural communities in Bangladesh, the improvement of soil and water quality, and the encouragement of inclusive growth in tandem with climate action.

A developing nation like Bangladesh may find Article 6.8’s emphasis on non-market strategies extremely beneficial. Without the need for cash transfers or carbon credits, non-market strategies promote global cooperation in fields including research, technological transfer, and capacity building.

Article 6.8 collaborations, for example, might assist Bangladesh in implementing climate-smart agriculture practices, enhancing community-based adaptation initiatives, and fortifying its early warning and climate data gathering systems. While strengthening national planning and governance capabilities, such collaboration can guarantee that adaptation initiatives reach the most vulnerable groups, including smallholder farmers, fishermen, and coastal communities.

Additionally, information exchange is encouraged by non-market channels, which are crucial for a nation looking to develop its capacity in catastrophe risk reduction, resilient infrastructure, and renewable energy. While Article 6 presents numerous prospects, successful implementation is not without obstacles.

Bangladesh has to establish comprehensive institutional structures to track, document, and validate carbon trades and emission reductions.

The country is now short of trained individuals, technological capabilities, and financing to deal with complicated carbon markets. Concerns over the fairness of market mechanisms are also widespread.

The climate advantages for vulnerable nations like Bangladesh may be limited if developed nations utilize carbon trading as a means of offsetting emissions without implementing significant domestic reductions.

Therefore, it is essential to make sure that Article 6 projects actually promote climate resilience and sustainable development. For Bangladesh, this entails giving top priority to initiatives that not only lower emissions but also safeguard ecosystems, boost social resilience, and offer real advantages to nearby populations.

In order to effectively implement Article 6, Bangladesh requires a national carbon cooperation strategy.

This entails establishing a nationwide carbon credit registry, standardizing project approval procedures, and guaranteeing open reporting to prevent duplication.

Energyefficient industrial processes, clean cooking technologies, and renewable energy can all be scaled up through public-private partnerships.

Institutional capacity will be increased by providing experienced staff, digital resources, and international assistance to government organizations like the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

To maximize the advantages of Article 6 mechanisms, regional cooperation via SAARC and BIMSTEC platforms can also assist Bangladesh in exchanging information, gaining access to technology, and taking part in cooperative mitigation projects.

Another crucial factor is to ensure community involvement and equity. Projects under Article 6 must take into account the requirements of the most vulnerable groups impacted by climate change.

In Bangladesh, floods, cyclones, and saline intrusion frequently disproportionately affect women, children, and rural populations. Projects covered by Article 6 can enhance local ownership, provide social co-benefits, and boost the efficacy of climate initiatives by incorporating these groups in the planning and execution stages.

In order to guarantee that the advantages of climate action go beyond carbon accounting and monetary gains, community-based strategies also promote awareness, capacity building, and sustainable behavior change.

Bangladesh has already initiated actions to comply with Article 6. With assistance from foreign partners, pilot projects on carbon price, renewable energy certification, and emission accounting are being created. While making sure that emission reduction programs are in line with sustainable development aspirations, these initiatives seek to provide the groundwork for long-term involvement in global carbon markets.

The necessity of supporting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Climate Vulnerable Nations in gaining access to capital, technology, and capability under Article 6 is another way that Bangladesh continues to promote justice and fairness in international climate negotiations.

Bangladesh has an exceptional opportunity to coordinate native climate action with international collaboration through Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

It is a bridge between aspiration and action, between vulnerability and resilience, and it is more than just a collection of technical rules.

Bangladesh can mobilize resources, embrace cutting-edge technologies, and create communities that are climate resilient through market processes, project-based cooperation, and nonmarket partnerships.

In addition, careful governance, openness, and inclusivity are necessary to guarantee that these mechanisms actually help the ecosystems and people most impacted by climate change. When properly applied, Article 6 can turn Bangladesh’s climatic problems into chances for social justice, economic expansion, and sustainable development.

In order to fulfill its obligations under the Paris Agreement and the aspirations of its citizens for a climate-secure country, Bangladesh can forge ahead with a greener, safer, and more prosperous future by utilizing international cooperation, encouraging local innovation, and incorporating climate resilience into all facets of development.

Bangladesh Petroleum Institute (BPI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with five institutions to extend cooperation in the field of research, education, training, and technological development in Bangladesh’s energy and mineral resources sector.

The agreement was signed recently at the BPI headquarters, said a press release.

The five institutions are Department of Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi; Institute of Mining, Mineralogy and Metallurgy, BCSIR; Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineering (PMRE), BUET; Bangladesh Oil, Gas and Mineral Corporation (Petrobangla) and CodersTrust Limited.

The Dhaka Electric Supply Company (DESCO), a stateowned power distribution entity, has reported losses for three consecutive years despite multiple electricity price hikes.

According to its latest audit report, the company incurred a cumulative net loss of around Tk630 crore over the past two fiscal years.

The audited financial summary for the 2024-25 fiscal year, published recently through the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), highlights the extent of DESCO’s financial struggles. For FY2024-25, the publicly listed company recorded a post-tax net loss of Tk125.23 crore, translating to a loss per share of Tk 3.15. Due to this continued loss, the company has again decided not to issue any dividends to investors, marking the second consecutive year without shareholder returns.

In the previous fiscal year (2023-24), DESCO’s net loss was significantly higher at Tk505.56 crore, or Tk12.72 per share.

At the beginning of the 21st century, global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C hinged entirely on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Reaching this goal depends on ambitious emission reduction plans – and implementing those plans requires sufficient investment.

However, developed and emerging economies have still not submitted any concrete plans to reduce emissions. Moreover, along with investing in their own emission reduction, these countries do not seem to prioritize supporting others through financing either.

Instead, their main priority now appears to be increasing military and security expenditures.

As a result, obtaining climate finance from public-sector sources is becoming increasingly difficult over time.

Therefore, there is no alternative but for the global community to work collectively on alternative and innovative financing mechanisms.

In an interview with Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor of Energy and Power, these remarks were made by Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment. COP30 is about to begin in Belém, Brazil. Which issues are likely to get priority in this global negotiation?

The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – countries’ pledges to reduce carbon emissions – will be a top priority at the Belém COP.

However, the recently published Synthesis Report paints a rather disappointing picture.

After reviewing 64 NDCs, the report concluded that even if all are fully implemented, global emissions will only decline by 17% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels. Yet, achieving net-zero requires a 60% reduction over that same period. While the world is falling behind on the 1.5°C target, major players such as the European Union, China, and India have not yet submitted their updated NDCs.

This is extremely disappointing, but NDCs will still remain at the center of discussions.

It is also expected that the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) will be finalized at Belém.

However, ensuring that 50% of climate finance is allocated to adaptation, as developing countries have long demanded, will be difficult, given the uncertain stance of developed countries.

The issue of mobilizing USD 1.3 trillion in climate finance by 2035 will certainly receive top priority in negotiations. Defining what counts as ‘climate finance,’ and addressing debates such as grants versus loans, will also be crucial discussion points. Yet, given the changing global context, negotiations this year will likely be more complicated than ever.

The countries expected to provide funds are showing little interest in doing so.

Therefore, despite continued demands from developing nations, it is unrealistic to expect major positive decisions this time regarding funding for Loss and Damage, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), or the Adaptation Fund.

Overall, even after two deadline extensions, most countries – especially the major polluters – have failed to submit their NDCs.

This is a bad sign and amounts to ignoring the spirit of multilateral cooperation to tackle climate change impacts.

One of the Troika’s two main priorities is the ‘Baku to Belém Roadmap for USD 1.3 Trillion.’ What outcomes do you expect from Belém regarding this discussion?

Discussions on this issue have been ongoing throughout the year.

The three COP Presidencies – known as the Troika – have already held ministerial-level meetings.

However, despite Brazil’s efforts, no positive response has yet emerged.

Instead, there are attempts to introduce new agendas into the climate finance discussions – such as trade restrictions. For example, the European Union’s CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) proposes imposing additional taxes on exportable products based on their carbon footprint.

But developing countries argue that such measures should be addressed under Response Measures and Just Transition frameworks.

Otherwise, climate-vulnerable nations will face new economic losses.

This is because Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement clearly states that developed countries shall provide financial resources to developing countries. Moreover, beyond developed economies, emerging economies also have an obligation to contribute to climate finance.

All of them – including LDCs and SIDS – must be supported. Yet, in climate finance negotiations, developed countries are trying to sidestep these obligations.

The Belém COP will certainly continue discussions on how to mobilize USD 1.3 trillion by 2035 from both public and private sectors.

However, it is difficult to say whether these discussions will lead to any concrete or positive outcomes.

So far, USD 779 million has been pledged to the Loss and Damage Fund.

The fund is expected to become fully operational from Belém, with calls for proposals for an initial USD 250 million allocation. Will Bangladesh submit any proposals for this funding?

Also, do you expect new funding commitments for the Loss and Damage Fund from the upcoming Leaders’ Summit?

From Belém, the Loss and Damage Fund will begin operations by inviting project proposals for distributing an initial USD 250 million to vulnerable and affected countries.

Bangladesh is currently preparing project proposals to access this fund, and they will be submitted.

However, the total amount available in the Loss and Damage Fund remains very small – even less than what was originally pledged. Meanwhile, the entire world is currently preoccupied with defense and military investments.

Therefore, it would be unrealistic to expect new pledges to the Loss and Damage Fund from the upcoming Leaders’ Summit.

To build consensus on various issues, the Brazilian COP Presidency has so far sent 15 letters to countries around the world. What kind of success do you expect from their climate diplomacy ahead of the COP30 negotiations?

Brazil has always been proactive in climate diplomacy.

However, given the current global situation, it is difficult to say how successful they will be this time.

Although Brazil is continuously working to make the Belém COP a success, no major progress has been seen yet. Despite the Brazilian Presidency’s best efforts, countries like the European Union, China, and India have not yet finalized their pollution reduction plans or NDCs.

It must be remembered that the global context right now is not in Brazil’s favor. COP30 is expected to finalize the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).

The 100+ indicators identified for this need to be reduced to 100.

Additionally, there will be discussions about ensuring that 50% of the climate fund is allocated for adaptation, as per commitments.

How optimistic are you about a final decision?

It can be expected that the Global Goal on Adaptation will be finalized in Belém. More than 100 indicators can likely be reduced to 100.

However, the question lies in the means of implementation.

To achieve the GGA’s goals, three elements are essential: finance, technology transfer, and capacitybuilding support.

The big question is how positive the outcomes will be on these fronts, particularly whether sufficient financing for adaptation can be ensured.

Bangladesh has announced in its NDC 3.0 a target to reduce carbon emissions by 85 million tonnes by 2035, with an investment projection of USD 116 billion, of which USD 90 billion is expected from global sources. What strategy will Bangladesh take to achieve this?

You see, in NDC 2.0 or the upgraded NDC, there were challenges in securing global support, although our performance in implementation with domestic financing has been quite good.

But Bangladesh’s NDC 3.0 is much clearer.

It specifies what will be done with domestic investments and what with international support. We have estimated the required international assistance and are now working on project formulation accordingly, which will be presented to the global community once finalized.

The challenge, however, is that under the Paris Agreement, countries are encouraged to prioritize their own investments in emission reduction. Yet, most countries have designed their NDCs to rely heavily on international support.

The UNFCCC has published its Synthesis Report after reviewing NDCs.

It states that even if all 64 NDCs reviewed are fully implemented, global carbon emissions will decline by only 17% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels.

But the IPCC says emissions must be cut by 60% within that timeframe to reach net-zero. Where is the world heading?

Article 2 of the Paris Agreement states that carbon emissions must be stabilized.

But from the submitted NDCs, it seems countries are moving away from this goal.

The Synthesis Report shows that even if all NDCs are fully implemented, emissions will only fall by 17% by 2035 compared to 2019. Yet, achieving net-zero requires a 60% reduction by then. No country is willing to take real responsibility for cutting emissions.

The review of 64 NDCs shows that only 52% of countries have outlined financial plans for emission reduction.

The total estimated investment needed is USD 1.97 trillion, of which USD 1.07 trillion is expected from international sources.

Only USD 214 billion is projected from domestic sources, leaving USD 682 billion unaccounted for.

This is quite disappointing.

Another roadmap of the Troika is the ‘Roadmap for 1.5°C.’ Is there still a realistic chance of achieving this goal, or has the world already fallen off track?

From the Glasgow COP, countries pledged to ‘keep 1.5°C alive,’ aiming to cut emissions by 33% by 2030, with emission peaking by 2025.

However, the world backtracked at the Sharm El-Sheikh COP.

Though there was an attempt to revive the target at the Dubai COP, momentum was again lost heading into Baku.

To save the planet, the Belém discussions must bring this goal back on track.

To achieve the 1.5°C target, there is no alternative to securing sufficient investment.

This investment must come from the public sector funds of developed countries, ideally as grants.

But opportunities for such funding are shrinking, and public sector climate finance is likely to decline further in the coming years.

Therefore, the world must clearly define mechanisms for privatesector financing in climate resilience and adaptation. Private sector investments should be encouraged through clear carbon trading opportunities. Moreover, work must begin on innovative financing. For example, developed countries could impose a small tax (0.2-0.3%) on their top 10 corporations or billionaires to generate climate funds. Finally, individuals and institutions that invest charitably in climate resilience are still not formally recognized within the UNFCCC process. Recognition of such contributions must be ensured so that more individuals and organizations are encouraged to contribute.

At COP30, what key messages does Bangladesh plan to present to the global community regarding its climate resilience efforts?

At every COP, Bangladesh showcases its climate resilience achievements through its national pavilion, and this time will be no different.

However, we must also emphasize a new issue in discussions with multilateral and bilateral donors. When global institutions prepare debt-risk indices for countries, they often include disaster risks as negative factors in their ratings.

This problem will worsen once Bangladesh graduates from LDC status.

Therefore, we will highlight before the global community that Bangladesh is a climate-vulnerable country-and that this vulnerability is not our fault, but a result of global climate impacts.

Thus, during credit rating assessments, climate vulnerability should not be treated as a negative indicator.

Instead, it should be viewed positively, acknowledging our resilience and the global responsibility for this shared crisis.

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.