Energetica India Magazine March 2022

energetica INDIA- Mar_2022 51 RENEWABLE POWER shift in the world. Power and energy state of any economy is aligned with the economic prosperity. Bangladesh conventionally depends on huge traditional energy sources includ- ing non-renewable sources natural gas, liquid fuel and LNG and planned for huge coal usage in the recent develop- ment plans and perspectives. The pow- er sector masterplan has targeted over 60000 MW generation capacity by 2041 in line with the vision of developed economy with fossil fuel concentration. The global SDG agenda led transforma- tion demands some changes in the en- ergy mix in Bangladesh including green and clean energy. The extensive energy consumption would lead to environmen- tal harm. Government has realized the demand of shift in energy sourcing and usage to non-fossil energy usage but this transformation needs huge transition in energy mapping, low-carbon and clean fuel sourcing. Industry, agriculture and power generation massively require liq- uid fossil fuel consumption which can be replaced to mitigate risks on agriculture, manufacturing sectors, local backward linkage of supply chain of manufactur- ing business and infrastructure. To im- plement the Paris Agreement keeping temperature within 1.5C, private and public sector are to work together. The 7th five-year plan of Government underscored the coal-based power gen- eration, LNG dependence but the 8th five-year focused on mixed energy with moderate clean power concentration. This frequent policy shift of Govern- ment also does not give clear direction in green energy security. The interim plan does not ensure integrated approach for sustainable and long-term energy security retaining the holistic interest of the country. Taking into account the local energy ecosystem, global dynam- ics and energy stakeholders’ interests in Bangladesh, we must have a visible and long-term roadmap with segment- ed plans for clean energy transforma- tion. Off late, the LNG impot tariff has gone up which crops uncertainty in the relentless gas supply. Since clean energy is pricey and sources are finite in Ban - gladesh, therefore, we are to explore dif- ferent means in this regard. • Off shore gas exploration efforts in mapped blocs are limited but tidal en- ergy should be dealt. For cross-border hydro electricity from Nepal and Bhu- tan, cost and benefit need assessment. Cross-border power should not be large share in our power mix as this depen- dence is unsafe in the current geopoliti- cal context. • Rational budget in energy sector and power sector is needed. Government spends much on conventional Gas and LNG sourcing but renewable is still less attended in national Budget. Our gen- eration capacity may be replicated in infrastructure development. The pow- er transmission infrastructure may not support clean power sourcing like solar, wind. Overall transmission and distri- bution network to bring nationwide re- newable power connectivity with grid also need huge investment and change. Cross border power bank and grid may be built for supporting one another within India, Nepal, Bangladesh in key SARRC nations. • Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for renewable power is needed for different power sources and limitations of con- ventional PPA must be avoided here. Against soaring conventional energy tariff, rational and competitive renew- able energy tariff is to be maintained. • Industrial mapping is needed through robust assessment to know which indus- tries can be operated with renewable power and transformation plan. 100 Special economic zones can incorporate renewable power and energy plan to some extent. • Balance of non-carbonised and low-carbon energy like nuclear, wind, hydro and natural gas and conventional energy is needed though our low-carbon energy is inadequate. Off-shore renew- able energy sources are massive and need to be exploited. Improvement of carbon pricing mechanisms of carbon offsetting markets and nature-based solutions. • Local skills and capacity development is essential with 4IR technology-IoT, block chain and AI engagement in en- ergy sector. • Frequent conventional energy tariff hike challenges renewable tariff option and future. • Reduce coastal flood, erosion risks, strengthen embankments and deepen channels and land reclamation for solar power plants there for potential source and portfolio development. • Ministry of power and energy and mineral resources, industries and pri- vate sector must discuss to strategise and accommodate this agenda. Predict- able tax structure is needed to attract foreign investment in renewable energy. Above all, strong diplomacy for realiz- ing promised $100 bn in climate financ - ing by developed nations is needed to overcome climate risks and link to clean energy technology preparation. • Hydrogen technologies and business models are needed. Bangladesh is working on climate change policy, adaptation and miti- gation initiatives. We were one of the first countries to develop a climate change strategy and action plan due to our positive mindset to rebuild a safer world. Since our progress in UNSDG agenda has been acclaimed by UN as a role model, we must uphold affordable clean energy ideals with global support. If economy and private sector remain safeguarded, they would contribute to sustainable development agenda. With our growing climate change priority and energy demand, this agenda must be en- forced balancing economic prosperity and sustainability considering the need in new normal state and sustainable so- cioeconomic transformation.