BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF OFFSHORE WIND POWER FOR SCALING UP RENEWABLE ENERGY IN BANGLADESH

Author: Mohammad Alauddin

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2021v42n1a2

ABSTRACT

Globally wind power is the leading renewable energy technology after hydropower with an installed capacity exceeding 650 gigawatt (GW) by the end of 2019. In Bangladesh, contribution of wind power is insignificant with an installed capacity of only 2.9 megawatt (MW). Available data shows the predominance of low wind speeds on lands. Apart from low wind speeds, lack of bankable wind data and land constraints can be attributed to the stagnation of development of utility scale onshore wind power plants in the country resulting in low share of wind power in the energy mix. Fulfilling the targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, to which Bangladesh is a signatory, requires substantial increase of renewable energy in the energy mix. The paper endeavours to identify the prospects of developing offshore wind power in Bangladesh as offshore wind technology has come of age in the recent years. Drawing on the global experience, the paper argues that an investment-grade feasibility study is essential for unlocking the potential of offshore wind. This upfront investment can help achieve national renewable energy targets as well as leverage significant economic and environmental benefits.