Dhaka: A new initiative was launched on Monday to support Bangladesh’s transition toward a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient urban development. The five-year initiative, titled ‘Promoting Energy-Related Low Carbon Urban Development (LCUD) in Bangladesh,’ is supported by a US$ 3.7 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), under the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the initiative at Bidyut Bhaban.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the project will promote renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient infrastructure, and low-carbon urban planning solutions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Bangladesh’s rapidly growing cities through the development of investment-grade projects, interaction between public and private stakeholders, and awareness-raising among city dwellers.
Attending the event as the chief guest, K M Ali Reza, Additional Secretary representing the Secretary of the Power Division, highlighted the challenge posed by dependence on imported fuel to energy sovereignty. He emphasized the need for energy efficiency and the development of investment-grade projects supported by scalable and sustainable business models with strong financial linkages. ‘The LCUD project is a timely and critical initiative that aligns closely with our national priorities to scale up renewable energy and energy efficiency,’ he added.
Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP, stated, ‘Urbanization presents both a major challenge and a significant opportunity for climate action. The LCUD project reflects a strong partnership between the government, development partners, and the private sector to mobilize investment in practical low-carbon solutions. Its success will depend on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.’
Muzaffar Ahmed, Chairman of SREDA, remarked, ‘SREDA envisions the LCUD Project as a practical, result-oriented, and investment-focused initiative. Success relies on strong cooperation among government agencies, city corporations, and the private sector to unlock both the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy. Together, we believe the LCUD Project can become an effective and replicable model for Bangladesh.’
With rapid urbanization increasing pressure on energy systems and the environment, the LCUD project aims to support a more sustainable and low-carbon future for Bangladesh’s cities. The initiative will promote investments in energy-efficient buildings, rooftop solar power, and waste-to-energy solutions in key urban areas, including Dhaka and Chittagong. The project is expected to reduce more than 1.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime while contributing to Bangladesh’s national climate goals.