BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

RENEWABLE ENERGY IN BANGLADESH: ACHIEVEMENTS, POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES

Author: Benuka Ferdousi, Rubel Molla

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2018v39n1a2

ABSTRACT

Following the global trend, Bangladesh has declared to meet 10 per cent of its total electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2021. The article aims to make an assessment of Bangladesh’s achievement in renewable energy and identify its untapped potential along with the challenges. In the process, the article also endeavours to assess the existing plans and policies of the country regarding renewable energy. To date, Bangladesh has been able to generate 556MW of electricity from renewables against the target of 2000MW. The article argues that just comparing the target and achievement figures without considering the context may not be a right approach. It argues that considering the context, performance, potentials and challenges of Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector, the progress is not discouraging at all. The article shows that the country has started the process of resource mapping which is opening new windows for Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector. From the findings of these resource mapping and feasibility studies it seems that Bangladesh has good potential in renewable energy. Finally, the article suggests revising the country’s existing plans and policies regarding renewable energy and investing more in resource mapping and feasibility studies.