Baku, Nov 14 (V7N) — Bangladesh is actively pursuing renewable energy sources through imported hydropower, with efforts underway to establish a South Asian grid that would facilitate access to hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan. Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus reaffirmed this commitment, as conveyed by Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at the conclusion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-29) in Baku.

Shafiqul Alam stated that Bangladesh has already finalized arrangements to import 40 megawatts of hydropower from Nepal, with promising discussions also underway with Bhutan. However, any import from Bhutan will require formal approval from India, given the shared regional infrastructure.

In pursuit of these renewable energy goals, Dr. Yunus is championing the vision of a South Asian grid for seamless hydropower exchange. This initiative aligns with his diplomatic focus on reinvigorating the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to enhance regional cooperation. The grid would substantially ease access to hydropower, especially given that Bangladesh’s border is only about 40 to 50 kilometers from Nepal. Currently, Bangladesh receives electricity from Nepal via the Indian grid, and a dedicated South Asian grid would simplify this process further.

The shift towards renewable hydropower underscores Bangladesh's commitment to sustainable energy solutions in line with its climate goals.

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