Dhaka: Bangladesh is vigorously pursuing its planned energy transition replacing fossil fuels with clean energy like solar and wind power, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) chief said here today. 'We are actively pursuing an energy transition towards renewable energy, especially solar, which would contribute to achieving climate goals (Net Zero by 2050),' SREDA Chairman Muzaffar Ahmed told BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh is rapidly expanding solar and other renewables like wind, hydro, biomass/biogas. As part of the initiative, a campaign is underway to introduce solar power at homes, rooftops, and parks and promote its use for irrigation. Ahmed stated that the government was supporting individuals and organizations through various facilities to install solar panels and other renewable power plants for energy transition and achieve the target of net zero.
Energy Adviser of the interim government Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan earlier emphasized the importance of solar and other renewable energy for Bangladesh's future. He highlighted that a new set of solar power tariffs, approved through a fully open and competitive tendering process, is expected to save around Tk.420 crore annually. These proposals, with a capacity of 918 MW of solar power, were initially initiated under the now-repealed Speedy Supply of Power and Energy Act, 2010.
According to SREDA, Bangladesh's renewable energy sector is growing, led by solar, with a total installed capacity of approximately 1690.63 MW as of 2025. The country aims for 40 percent clean energy by 2041 through major solar parks, rooftop solar, and off-grid systems. The on-grid renewable power reached 1,312.37 MW, while off-grid rose to 378.26 MW, with government initiatives to increase renewable power's stake in total generation.
The new Renewable Energy Policy 2025 aims to accelerate this growth, focusing on rooftop solar for industries (RMG) and rural electrification. However, challenges in grid integration and scaling up remain. The government, along with private companies, is developing large solar projects and rooftop systems across the country, efforts that are expected to help reduce electricity bills for homes and small industries.
Power secretary Farzana Momtaz recently mentioned that industries have the opportunity to generate electricity from renewable sources on their own and sell it to the government after their required consumption. The updated Net Metering Guidelines-2025 now allow for the use of 100 percent of solar power instead of 70 percent, boosting rooftop solar panel use.
According to the met office, Bangladesh benefits from around 300 sunny days a year, offering a natural advantage for solar power generation. Officials reported that over 6 million units of Solar Home Systems (SHS) have been installed in off-grid areas, supplying power to rural communities and contributing to the national grid. Businesses and homeowners with solar panels can also sell unused power through the net metering system, making solar investments more profitable.
Organizations working on renewable energy noted that Nordic nations like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark lead in energy transition, while countries like China, the US, India, and the UK have made significant progress in enhancing renewable energy production. The World Economic Forum's Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2025 report highlighted accelerated progress in energy transition, driven by various factors. However, it also noted limited progress in energy security and a slowdown in transition readiness momentum.