CLIMATE FRIENDLY ENERGY IN BANGLADESH
Energy, particularly electricity has always been an essential factor in the economic development of a country. Electricity is critical in communication, industrialisation, utility services, transportation, education, food, marketing, shopping, management, etc.
Most of the world's energy production is derived from fossil fuels. Global studies including IPCC Reports have found that the excessive dependence on fossil fuel sources has led to global warming, climate change, ecological losses, and damage, impacting all the living beings on earth. Bangladesh is one of the most affected countries by climate change cause by global warming. The government of Bangladesh has set a target of 30% production of renewable energy by 2030, and 40% by 2041.It also aims to significantly reduce its fossil fuel consumption, in line with its domestic and international commitments, such as the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan, Vision 2041, Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, COPs, etc. The Intent is to ensure net zero target by 2050.
The renewable energy generation capacity of Bangladesh is around 4% and as of 2023, Bangladesh's electricity generation capacity is about 26,018 MW (SREDA). On the demand side, the maximum requirement of electricity in the country is about 14,000 MW, especially during the summer. This indicates there is a significant gap between electricity generation and demand, resulting in huge capacity charges. The lack of proper utilisation of plans in the energy sector, particularly for transmission and distribution, is one of the key factors in the gap between capacity and demand.
This handbook aims to increase energy literacy among the young population and electricity user communities by highlighting significant information on the energy sector of Bangladesh. The idea is to raise awareness about the potential of renewable energy as well as highlight the threads and challenges posed by fossil-fuel dependency.
By adopting renewable energy technologies, we can save money on electricity, reduce global warming by reducing the use of fossil-fuels like diesel and gasoline, improve public health by reducing harmful emissions caused by burning fossil-fuels, create green jobs and more importantly be energy independent.
