Experts argue that Bangladesh’s draft Renewable Energy Policy will increase fossil fuel dependency and undermine the nation’s energy security, burdening citizens financially.
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| Bangladesh’s draft Renewable Energy Policy has been criticized for weak targets, poor planning, and failure to support a green transition away from fossil fuels. Image courtesy: UNB online |
Dhaka, Bangladesh — February 23, 2025:
Experts have raised serious concerns over the draft Renewable Energy Policy 2025, arguing that it fails to effectively promote a sustainable transition away from fossil fuels. They warn that the policy could lead to increased fossil fuel dependency, undermine the country’s energy security, and place additional financial burdens on citizens, reports UNB online.
The policy, prepared by the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) in consultation with a firm, has been criticized for its weak renewable energy targets. Hasan Mehedi, Chief Executive of the Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN), noted that Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector has long suffered from a lack of coordination, and the draft policy fails to change this trajectory. “The government took over four years to draft this policy, yet it lacks a comprehensive energy plan,” Mehedi said. “Moreover, the brief 21-day consultation period is insufficient for meaningful feedback.”
The targets set in the draft policy—6,145 MW (20%) by 2030 and 17,470 MW (30%) by 2041—are seen as unrealistic without a clear decarbonization strategy. The document also omits a green taxonomy, which is a key feature of renewable energy frameworks in many other nations. Experts further noted the lack of inter-ministerial coordination, implementation strategies, and financing plans for renewable energy.
Mehedi also criticized the disparity in incentives, highlighting that while companies pursuing renewable projects enjoy tax exemptions, ordinary citizens receive no such benefits. “Other nations offer up to 30% subsidies for rooftop solar installations, but Bangladesh’s policy provides no such support,” he added.
Khondaker Golam Moazzem from the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) expressed concerns about the policy’s rushed development, calling it incomplete and superficial. “Expanding renewables in a fossil fuel-driven economy is not practical,” he said.
Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, Director of the Center for Energy Research, noted that Bangladesh is lagging behind neighboring countries like India and China in renewable energy development. “The sector remains neglected as the country continues to prioritize fossil fuel interests,” he said.
As Bangladesh grapples with its energy future, critics urge the government to adopt a more ambitious and comprehensive approach to renewable energy, including a clear roadmap for decarbonization and stronger incentives for citizens.