Japan-backed energy plan challenged in court
In a groundbreaking legal move, Bangladesh has become the first South Asian country to challenge the legality of a Japan-backed fossil fuel-based power plan with the Supreme Court (SC), marking a historic step towards climate justice. A writ petition has been filed with the SC challenging the legality of the ‘Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023’ recently. The plan directly contradicts Bangladesh’s Climate Prosperity Plan, and violates the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness.
Power sector reforms could cut annual losses by $1.2 billion: IEEFA report
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) could save Tk13,800 crore ($1.2 billion) annually by implementing reforms in the electricity sector, according to a recent report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). “Despite hurdles, Bangladesh remains committed to achieve its target of generating 40 percent energy from renewable sources by 2041,” she said adding in view of this the interim government is actively revisiting the present energy policies to ensure sustainability and sovereignty.”
Net metering rooftop systems: An opportunity for Bangladesh’s renewable energy goals
Bangladesh’s energy future hinges on how effectively it integrates renewable sources into its grid. Since the issuance of the Net Metering (NEM) guidelines in 2018, the country has sought to foster renewable energy adoption by enabling prosumers—consumers who also generate electricity.
Japanese energy giant Jera invests $1bn in Bangladesh
Jera took over the Indian Reliance’s Meghnaghat 718 MW power plant in 2019 and has till date seems to have brought in $1 billion for the project, which will be Bangladesh’s largest gas-based IPP. The project has significant investment by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (a private development bank like Jica), together with Asian Development Bank.
Bangladesh, other SA nations need $625b to triple renewable energy capacity
Speakers at a discussion said South Asian countries including Bangladesh need $625 billion over the next six years to triple the renewable energy capacity. South Asia has a total installed power capacity of 524.3 GW, with India leading at 446.2 GW, followed by Pakistan (41.9 GW), Bangladesh (28.1 GW), Sri Lanka (5 GW), and Nepal (3.1 GW) while most countries have achieved nearly universal electricity access, quality remains a pressing issue, they said.
Fossil fuel lobbyists overwhelm COP29
At least 1,773 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access to the COP29 climate negotiations, according to an analysis.
The figure is calculated by the Kick Big Polluters Out, a coalition of 450 organisations across the globe, underscoring the outsized presence of polluters at crucial climate talks year after year.
Last year, 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists had been granted access to the COP28 summit held in Dubai.
‘Significantly more fossil lobbyists have been granted access to COP29 than almost every country delegation,’ reads a line of the press release issued by the KBPO on Friday.
Timely and equitable financial, technological support needed for transition to renewables: Rizwana at COP29
Despite hurdles, Bangladesh remains committed to achieving its target of generating 40% of its energy from renewables by 2041 and actively revisiting energy policies to ensure sustainability and sovereignty,” she said while speaking at an event tilted “Road to Net Zero: Navigating the Energy Transition in South Asia” during the World Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Rezwana seeks global support for transition to renewable energy
DHAKA, Nov 18, 2024 (BSS)- Adviser to the interim government on environment, forests and climate change Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said timely and fair financial and technological support is need for Bangladesh’s transition to renewable energy.
“Despite hurdles, Bangladesh remains committed to achieve its target of generating 40 percent energy from renewable sources by 2041,” she said adding in view of this the interim government is actively revisiting the present energy policies to ensure sustainability and sovereignty.”
Bangladeshi CSOs demand fossil fuel phase-out and climate finance at COP29
Bangladeshi civil society organizations (CSOs) have raised urgent demands at the ongoing COP29 summit, held at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan.
The groups called for a rapid transition to renewable energy, the phase-out of fossil fuels, revisions to Bangladesh’s current energy master plan, and adequate grant-based climate finance to address the nation’s escalating climate vulnerabilities.
The demonstration was led by a coalition including Waterkeepers Bangladesh, Youth Net for Climate Justice, Friends of the Earth, 350.org, Don’t Gas Asia, and others.
Bangladeshi CSOs demand revision of power master plan at COP 29
Bangladeshi CSOs at the ongoing COP29 in Baku of Azerbaijan demanded for fossil fuel phase out, revision of the current power master plan, adequate and sustainable climate finance and a rapid transition to renewable energy.
WaterKeepers Bangladesh, YouthNet, Friends of the Earth, 350.org, Don’t Gas Asia and others raised the demand.
