DHAKA - New research published in the Bulletin of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, highlights the urgent need for Bangladesh to transition towards renewable energy, particularly to sustain its power-hungry industries like the ready-made garment (RMG) production. This comprehensive study, conducted by researchers from the University in Malaysia and other international institutions, analysed Bangladesh’s energy sector dynamics, focusing on current trends, challenges, and future prospects as the country faces mounting pressures to adapt to an energy landscape increasingly unfavourable to fossil fuels.

The study shows that Bangladesh’s power sector is overwhelmingly dependent on fossil fuels, with natural gas alone powering roughly 65 per cent of its electricity generation. This dependency on a single, finite resource poses a risk, particularly as national natural gas reserves are expected to be exhausted by 2028.

Bangladesh’s current installed capacity sits at approximately 25,700 MW, but supply remains insufficient, and per capita electricity generation is low, leading to issues like frequent load shedding. These supply disruptions are problematic across sectors, but particularly so for the RMG industry, one of Bangladesh’s economic pillars and a major global exporter. The RMG sector, which relies on stable electricity to maintain productivity and quality, faces threats to its competitiveness if energy reliability cannot be improved.

The researchers argue that immediate shifts in Bangladesh’s energy portfolio are necessary to meet the rising demand, expected to reach 61 GW by 2041, and support continued economic growth. As it stands, the country’s energy policy has aimed to increase electricity access, which has been successful in connecting over 97 per cent of the population to the grid. However, it has yet to address the sustainability and reliability issues posed by the country’s fossil fuel dependency and lagging renewable investments.

Renewable energy currently contributes a modest 3 per cent to Bangladesh’s total power generation, but the potential for solar energy is considerable, as the country’s geographical positioning affords high sunlight levels throughout most of the year. Despite these favourable conditions, solar and other renewables remain largely untapped due to financial and infrastructural barriers. The research indicates that greater investment in solar power, through projects like solar parks and rooftop installations, could provide a cleaner, more stable energy supply, thus decreasing dependency on both local natural gas and imported coal. Wind and hydropower are also being explored, with early-stage projects currently in development, yet they too face logistical and technological constraints.

This new analysis highlights the need for the RMG sector to incorporate renewable energy sources into its operations to enhance energy security and resilience. International fashion brands are increasingly demanding that suppliers meet strict environmental and sustainability standards. A failure to adapt could result in lost export opportunities and decreased competitiveness for Bangladeshi products, the authors claim. To remain viable, the RMG sector must push for renewables to become a core part of Bangladesh’s energy strategy.

Bangladesh’s government has initiated efforts to incorporate renewables, particularly solar, into its energy mix. Yet, as the study shows, the pace of change remains insufficient given the speed at which fossil fuel resources are dwindling. To avert an energy crisis, policymakers must not only prioritize renewables but also create regulatory frameworks that attract private investment and international partnerships in renewable technology development.