DHAKA, June 20, (V7N) – Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed said the target of 7,000 megawatt (MW) electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 will be achieved after proper implementation of the budget support proposed for the next fiscal year. "This is the first time the government included supports and incentives in the national budget for expansion of renewable energy in the country," he told BSS today.
Ahmed said merchant power plants would also contribute to achieving the target of 7,000 MW for clean energy by 2030 if they receive facilities, as the government has been considering amendment of the renewable energy policy 2025. Under the policy, the government aims to meet 20 percent of total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040.
According to ministry information, the country's installed renewable energy generation capacity currently stands at 1,781.09 MW. A total of 26 renewable energy-based power plants with a combined capacity of 1,172 MW are currently under construction, while tendering is underway for 15 projects with a total capacity of 665 MW, expected to be connected to the national grid by 2029.
Speakers at a recent function said the government must ensure an investment-friendly environment to expand the renewable energy sector. Long-term policy stability, grid modernization, and investment in energy storage technologies are required to attract more investment. Lead Energy Analyst of IEEFA Shafiqul Alam noted that renewable energy currently contributes only 2.3 percent in Bangladesh, while the global average is about 34 percent.
Alam said import dependence in the energy sector has increased significantly, and if the proposal to exempt taxes and duties on import of solar panels, inverters, and lithium batteries is implemented, the cost of installing rooftop solar power could be reduced by 15 to 20 percent. The government will also introduce smart technologies and advanced energy management systems to modernize the national power grid, enhancing resilience to meet future demand.
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