LONDON - A recent study published in Energy Conference 2024 examined the potential for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) as a viable addition to Bangladesh’s energy mix. In the study, the authors discuss how the integration of CSP technology can alleviate reliance on fossil fuels and promote a cleaner energy model essential for Bangladesh's economic and environmental objectives.

Solar energy, which Bangladesh possesses in abundance with nearly 1,900 kWh/m² of Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI), provides an untapped opportunity for renewable energy infrastructure. The report notes that, under the Power System Master Plan of 2016, the government targeted generating 2.4 GW from renewable sources by 2021, with ambitions to raise renewable capacity to 4 GW by 2030 and 10.2 GW by 2041.

CSP technology, with its ability to store energy in the form of thermal heat, is particularly advantageous in ensuring a continuous power supply - a critical aspect for industries with round-the-clock energy demands like the garment sector.

“Implementing CSP can substantially reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels,” the authors explain, stressing the benefits of transitioning from natural gas and coal, which are gradually depleting. As a non-oil-producing nation, Bangladesh has limited coal reserves and rapidly diminishing natural gas supplies, pushing the government to accelerate renewable investments to avoid an energy crisis.

The study outlines a proposed 10 MW CSP plant for southern Bangladesh, where sunlight intensity is sufficient for consistent energy production. Using the System Advisor Model (SAM) for cost analysis, the team found the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) for a CSP plant to be around 13.76 cents per kWh after optimising the solar multiple and storage capacity. This optimised setup involves 11 hours of storage and a solar multiple of 3.6, which could reduce CSP’s LCOE and make it more competitive with traditional energy sources.

For the garment industry, which requires uninterrupted power to maintain production schedules, CSP’s thermal storage is viewed as a game-changer, offering a buffer against energy interruptions and potentially stabilising electricity costs. Furthermore, CSP integration can benefit the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions- a growing concern as Bangladesh grapples with climate vulnerability, such as rising sea levels and increasingly severe weather patterns.

One of the significant strategies proposed in the report is hybridizing CSP technology with existing power plants. This approach allows for the partial utilisation of conventional power plant infrastructure, such as boilers, turbines, and cooling towers, which can lower initial capital expenditures for CSP. By deploying CSP technology in hybrid plants, the authors say Bangladesh could enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of existing energy resources. For instance, adding CSP to existing high-cost heavy fuel oil (HFO) and diesel power plants could bring down per-unit costs, especially for plants that are costly to operate on fossil fuels alone.

According to the authors, the hybrid model aligns well with Bangladesh’s current energy landscape, where fossil fuel imports are becoming increasingly costly and unsustainable. The garment industry, which faces high international competition, could particularly benefit from this stable and lower-cost power source, improving both profitability and sustainability.

Bangladesh’s government has made notable strides in renewable energy policy, including the Renewable Energy Policy of 2009, which encourages investment in renewable technologies like CSP. However, for CSP to become a mainstream energy source, the government will need to bolster policy incentives, streamline regulatory frameworks, and perhaps most critically, address land acquisition challenges for large-scale solar installations.

The report stresses the importance of piloting CSP projects to demonstrate feasibility and reliability, paving the way for broader implementation across key industrial sectors, including textiles. As CSP technology matures globally and becomes more economically viable, the paper argues that Bangladesh is well-positioned to leverage this technology to meet its renewable energy targets and sustain the energy needs of its industrial backbone