For security and affordability, we must shore up renewable energy

The Bangladesh Bank recently withdrew the lending cap for coal-based power plants. The move aims to facilitate the purchase of coal needed to operate new coal-fired power plants of 6,754-megawatt (MW) capacity, which are set to come online in a few years. However, as the decision allows banks to lend beyond their 25 percent cap […]

Discriminatory policy hinders renewable energy growth

Sustaibale energy expert of the country pointed out that the government’s discriminatory policy towards renewable energy was evident in high import duties on solar panels meant to be used in small projects, which were more than doubled to 26 per cent from 11 per cent in the financial year 2021-22. This report was first published […]

Spot LNG import may cost $11b by 2024: report

The import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) between 2022 and 2024 could cost Bangladesh $11 billion, revealed an analysis released on Thursday by Ember, a London-based energy thinktank. Full implementation of MCPP could save $2.7b through solar generation. This news was first published in The New Age on 6th October, 2022. The calculation of the […]

As borrowing cost goes down, renewable energy and efficiency should get a major boost

The current global energy disorder along with the elevated prices of fossil fuels in the international markets should be an eye-opener for Bangladesh to swiftly promote renewable energy and energy efficiency This Opinion Editorial was first published in The Business Standard on 16 September, 2022. Shafiqul Alam The Central Bank of Bangladesh has a green […]

Power sector mess threatens economy

Wrong policy decisions, inefficiency and corruption have landed the power sector in its present predicament, said power and energy experts. This Opinion was first published in New Age on July 30, 2022. Emran Hossain The incumbent government set the stage for unabated corruption and making predatory profits in the power sector just a year after […]

Power cuts in Bangladesh: an expiation for neglecting renewable energy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4LMCDviKEY&list=PLNb1VRbmBJUKaoN5IR8p9fQhGieMigj3t&index=2 People in Bangladesh have been facing power outages for two to five hours, or even for longer periods in rural areas, every day from last week, that the government blames on high prices of fuel oils and gas. Mohammad Eyamin The authorities have said the recent power cuts are not actually load-shedding that consumers […]

Costly LNG now a burden, not a solution to the gas crisis

Liquefied natural gas (LNG), for its high import cost, has now become a heavy burden on Bangladesh’s economy rather than a solution to the growing gas crisis. The authorities are now caught in a double bind as they are neither able to import adequate LNG because of its expensive costs nor did they let go […]

The Russia-Ukraine war, high energy price threatens Bangladesh’s food security

A combination of extraordinary crises triggered by excessive energy prices, the Russia-Ukraine war, and back-to-back natural disasters have hit Bangladesh more than what meets the eye. Emran Hossain Before long, the crisis could spiral into a full-scale food crisis, articles published in local and international newspapers and magazines warned, referencing a similar experience, eventually leading […]

Renewable energy, not imported LNG

As Bangladesh scales up its energy supply, its leaders face a choice: do they double down on imported fossil fuels, or invest in renewable energy instead? This Opinion Editorial was first published at the Daily Star on April 12, 2022. Simon Nicholas On March 21, 2022, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared 100 percent electricity […]

Rising energy costs threaten to upset Bangladesh’s economic growth

Public gas, power companies recommend a historic rise in tariffs Emran Hossain Bangladesh was already exhausted from dealing with excessive gas prices in the international market when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, causing oil prices in the international market to soar too. Price Volatility of LNG Market A rise in gas and electricity tariffs […]