Timely and equitable financial, technological support needed for transition to renewables: Rizwana at COP29

Bangladesh needs timely and equitable financial and technological support to meet the challenges in transitioning to renewable energy, Environment, Forest, Climate Change and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today (18 November).

"Despite hurdles, Bangladesh remains committed to achieving its target of generating 40% of its energy from renewables by 2041 and actively revisiting energy policies to ensure sustainability and sovereignty," she said while speaking at an event tilted "Road to Net Zero: Navigating the Energy Transition in South Asia" during the World Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Rizwana said Bangladesh has requested China to relocate solar manufacturing plants to reduce dependence on imported solar panels. 

"Policies on solar energy, including high taxes, are also under review. The potential of rooftop solar on high-rise buildings and unused government or tea estate lands is being explored as part of the solution," she added.

Speaking at another event organised by UNFCCC, she noted that implementing Bangladesh's updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) requires $176 billion by 2030, with $32 billion needed for unconditional actions. 

"The remaining amount relies on international support, particularly through mechanisms like Article 6 [of the Paris Agreement]. Bangladesh is also preparing to submit its NDC 3.0 next year," she said.

The adviser stressed the importance of partnerships with Germany and other global leaders in decarbonising key industries like steel and cement, highlighting Bangladesh's vision of "Three Zeros"—zero net carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment, inspired by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the interim government.

Rizwana emphasised the need for integrated natural resource management alongside carbon reduction and requested Germany's assistance in cleaning rivers in Bangladesh. 

The adviser also invited global stakeholders to an international climate finance conference in Bangladesh in March 2025 and urged investment in building the capacity of young climate activists.

Later, Rizwana Hasan attended a session on "Article 6 Implementation Partnership" at the Japan Pavilion. Organised by the Ministry of Environment of Japan, the session delved into market-based approaches for reducing emissions under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. 

Rizwana sought Japan's support for capacity building, technology transfer and investments in Bangladesh.