Dhaka: Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Michael Miller, has emphasized that energy security is a critical issue, prompting the European Union (EU) and Bangladesh to expedite their efforts in deploying renewable energy as a strategic priority. Speaking at a high-level event in Dhaka titled ‘Boosting Renewable Energy in Bangladesh – From Design to Implementation,’ the Ambassador highlighted the shared determination of both parties to ensure energy security and investment opportunities for Bangladesh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility is a flagship initiative under the EU’s Global Gateway, which aims to promote secure, sustainable, and trusted networks globally. The event, hosted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) in partnership with the EU Delegation and the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources (MoPEMR), gathered senior representatives from the Government of Bangladesh, the EU, EIB, Team Europe, and other international partners, financial institutions, regulators, and the private sector.
The EU Embassy in Dhaka reported that the initiative, organized under the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility (BREF), is part of the EU Global Gateway’s flagship in the energy sector, accelerating large-scale renewable energy investments to enhance Bangladesh’s energy security, climate targets, and green transition. The EU’s financial contribution for the public sector amounts to £395 million, combining a £350 million sovereign EU-guaranteed EIB loan with an EU blending grant of £45 million, including £6 million to ensure the bankability and de-risking of significant projects.
Germany is providing additional financing of £50 million plus a £1.5 million technical assistance grant. BREF aims to leverage around £700 million in total investments in wind and solar energy, delivering up to 750 MWp of new renewable capacity, improving grid resilience and decentralization, and promoting innovation in dual land use and battery energy storage systems.
Michal Krejza, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Bangladesh, delivered welcome remarks, while Nur Ahmed, Additional Secretary (Planning) of the Power Division, emphasized the collaboration’s reflection of a shared commitment to a clean, secure, and resilient energy future. Michael Steidl, Head of Regional Representation to South Asia at EIB, expressed pride in supporting Bangladesh’s transition to a low-carbon energy future, describing the Bangladesh Renewable Energy Facility as a cornerstone for the country’s green energy transition.
Dr. Rdiger Lotz, Ambassador of Germany to Bangladesh, praised the BREF as a landmark collaboration in the energy sector and encouraged the bold advancement of solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources. The event featured a presentation on BREF and its Technical Assistance (BREF-TA), designed to accelerate large-scale renewable energy investments and support Bangladesh’s climate commitments. Dr. Andreas Wiese, Managing Director of GOPA Tech and lead partner of the BREF-TA Consultant Consortium, reaffirmed their commitment to providing expertise and solutions to foster innovation and strengthen institutional capacity in Bangladesh’s sustainable energy future.