Abandon all coal-based power plants by 2027: Civil society

Speakers at an event have called for the abandonment of all coal-based power plants in Bangladesh by 2027 under a "no-coal policy," as part of a 14-point demand from civil society for an energy transition in the country.

The demands were presented at a dialogue organised by the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), a platform of 75 civil society organisations (CSOs), national and international development agencies, local organisations, energy experts, and environmentalists, at a city hotel in Gulshan today to mark its launch.

The 14-point demand includes the formulation of a National Energy Transition Policy and legally binding targets to convert 30% of the country's energy consumption to renewable sources by 2030, 50% by 2040, and 100% by 2050.

Additionally, the demands call for the repeal or amendment of the Quick Enhancement of Electricity and Energy Supply (Special Provisions) Act 2010 to ensure transparency and accountability in energy governance, as well as for specific policies to develop competitive and sustainable energy markets.

Other key demands include ensuring 5,000 MW of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2025 and 10,000 MW by 2027, and halting the establishment of new LNG-based power plants by 2027. 

Furthermore, the civil society groups are advocating for the conversion of 40% of diesel-operated irrigation pumps to solar energy by 2027, alongside the shutdown of 60% of heavy fuel oil-based power plants.

At the event, the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh revealed its mission to ensure a sustainable energy transition for the country.

The event featured the introduction of a 23-member advisory panel that includes leading figures such as Dr Mohammad Tamim, dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Materials Engineering at BUET, Dr Ijaz Hossain, former professor at BUET, Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, and Shafiqul Alam, lead energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. 

M Zakir Hossain Khan, a climate and renewable energy finance expert, also plays a key role in the initiative.

Abul Kalam Azad, manager of the Just Energy Transition team at ActionAid Bangladesh, outlined the network's objectives, emphasising that the primary goal is to amplify civil society's voice and mobilise efforts towards a green and sustainable energy future. 

Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh, moderated a discussion on the theme "From Ask to Reality: Shaping the Energy Future in Bangladesh." 

She urged the government to back the initiative, saying, "Through JETnet-BD, we can work together towards a 100% renewable energy transition."

Dr Ijaz Hossain noted that Bangladesh could save $500 million annually by transitioning to solar power instead of relying on fossil fuels. 

Additionally, Mbuso Gaufila, senior energy specialist at the World Bank, suggested expanding beyond solar energy to biogas, biomass-based power generation, and local technological innovation.

Prof Khosru Mohammad Salim from Independent University called for greater research into technologies such as electric rickshaw charging stations, solar microgrids, and solar incubators. 

Naznin Akther, director of Business Development at Solaric Group, highlighted the cost-efficiency of solar energy, pointing out that while electricity in the industrial sector costs Tk11 to Tk12 per unit, solar energy can be produced at just Tk3 to Tk4 per unit.

The event was attended by notable figures including BD Rahmatullah, former managing director of PowerCell; Stoyanka Stich, cluster coordinator at GIZ Bangladesh; Tanzina Dilshad, programme manager for Environment and Energy at the European Union Bangladesh; Mashiur Rahman, representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB); Sunzida Sultana, a member of the JETnet-BD coordination committee; and over a hundred representatives from CSOs, development organisations, energy experts, and media personnel.