Published: 14 December 2024
Transitioning to renewable energy and phasing out fossil fuel reliance are crucial for ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for Bangladesh, emphasized energy experts at the 2nd Conference on Bangladesh Energy Prosperity 2050.
They also strongly advocated for the implementation of a ‘no electricity, no pay’ policy for power plants, a measure designed to reduce the country’s fiscal burden. This policy aims to address inefficiencies and promote greater accountability within the energy sector.
Over the course of three days, the conference featured a series of engaging sessions and discussions on key topics such as policy coherence, institutional reform, financial mechanisms, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and socio-environmental governance. These discussions underscored the urgent need for inclusive and sustainable strategies to achieve Bangladesh’s long-term energy goals.
Held from December 11-13, 2024, at the BIAM Foundation in Dhaka, the conference was organized by the Bangladesh Working Group on Ecology and Development (BWGED) in collaboration with Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and 21 other co-organizers. Approximately 400 participants attended, including 96 distinguished speakers from across Bangladesh. Notable multilateral and foreign organizations, such as Tara Climate Foundation, APMDD, JICA, OCI, and JACSES, contributed their insights on sustainable energy solutions.
Day 1: Policy Coherence, Institutional Reform, and Transparency in Energy Transition
The conference began with a session on Policy Coherence in the Energy and Power Sector for a Green Transition, emphasizing the need for aligned policies to ensure a sustainable energy transition. A parallel session on Institutional Reform for a Just and Green Transition focused on streamlining energy institutions for efficiency and equity. Additionally, Md. Newazul Moula, Coordinator of Energy Governance at TIB, addressed the critical issue of Transparency and Accountability in Bangladesh’s Energy Sector, highlighting how the lack of transparency in the renewable energy sector is obstructing effective governance and hindering a fair, sustainable energy future.
Day 2: Exploring Key Themes in Bangladesh’s Energy Transition
The second day of the conference hosted six parallel sessions covering key aspects of Bangladesh’s energy transition. Topics included the practice and potential of renewable energy, investment challenges, land constraints for renewable energy, fair and sustainable financing pathways, environmental and social governance for a just transition, and the role of bilateral partnerships in advancing a just transition. These sessions empowered the audience with knowledge, tools, and frameworks to contribute effectively to Bangladesh’s energy transition efforts.
Closing Day: “No Electricity, No Pay” Policy
On the final day of the conference, Professor Ijaz Hossain from BUET passionately voiced critical concerns regarding the lack of a definitive net-zero target for Bangladesh. He underscored the urgent need for the government to establish long-term climate objectives, urging policymakers to adopt a proactive stance in crafting a comprehensive roadmap for decarbonization and sustainability.
As a special guest, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, made a compelling case for the immediate termination of the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP), highlighting its discordance with Bangladesh’s sustainability aspirations. He called for the development of a new Energy and Power Master Plan, one that prioritizes the reduction of fossil fuel dependency and accelerates the integration of renewable energy sources to forge a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
The conference wrapped up with remarks from Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. She illuminated the multifaceted challenges Bangladesh faces in upholding its commitments under the Paris Agreement. While she expressed hope for achieving the net-zero target through collective efforts, she cautioned that a successful transition away from fossil fuels would necessitate meticulous strategic planning and robust collaboration among all stakeholders.