The path to power lies with a path to energy. Energy is an essential element for development in the contemporary world. The modern world is by and large industry-driven, most of which are now dependent on modern technology. A constant flow of energy or power is of absolute necessity to keep these industries running seamlessly. Future development and growth are also, in that same manner, dependent upon efficient energy. Therefore, efficiency and sustainability are now a demand for thriving societies such as Bangladesh.
Recently, the country has gone through fuel turbulence. As a matter of fact, it is still an issue. The fuel and energy situation in Bangladesh was especially violent due to the fact that the country still imports a huge amount of energy material from abroad. The conflict in western Europe affected the prices of fuel to skyrocket, resulting in a disruption of fuel supply to the country as well as leading to a domestic price hike. However, Bangladesh has been pushing forward to become self-sufficient with energy supply, in spite of the fact that imported fuel materials still play a substantial role in development. There has been an explosion in the use of solar energy and other green energy sources such as hydro energy etc.
It has been a long-aimed goal of Bangladesh to become self-sufficient with energy and fuel supply while promoting the usage of green energy. In order to achieve that goal, numerous projects have been undertaken, and there are now quite a few sources of energy existing within the country. Of course, coal-powered plants are still the driving force of the power industry. However, other sources are slowly making their impact as well.
It is worth mentioning here that the terms’ Sustainable Energy’ and ‘Renewable Energy’ are often used interchangeably. Yet still, there are differences between the two. Renewable energy refers to energy generated from natural sources which can be regenerated over time. The creation of energy from means that can renew themselves quicker than they are exhausted is known as Sustainable energy. As it can be seen that both forms of energy are nearly the same, with the exception that the former depends on the natural regenerating factors of the source while the latter depends on the efficient management of regeneration of the source.
A notable takeaway from the aforementioned is that, despite the differences, both energy formats are great weapons to fight against climate change and establish a green society. Green energy and green society is a global goals for preserving the environment and preventing deterioration of the climate. Bangladesh is also a participant in the agenda and has taken a number of initiatives to achieve the goal. Aside from the wide usage of natural gas, the country has invested in hydropower plants and biomass alongside solar and wind energy sources. Undoubtedly, these are admirable initiatives. Still, the usage of imported electricity and coal-powered plants is a drawback in this regard.
Green energy, or sustainable energy, has become a tool for sustainable growth. Both these aspects go hand in hand so much that they can be translated together as well. Energy is not just a tool that powers other industries. It creates a whole industry of its own which then, in turn, creates economic opportunities for itself and provides the same for other sectors fueling growth. The developed countries of the world now mostly have renewable energy sources such as Nuclear power plants and large Wind power plants. Coastal nations are starting to invest in Hydropower plants for efficient and cost-friendly power sources to support their economy.
In contrast, Bangladesh is yet to explore the said areas to its full potential. According to World Bank research, renewable energy produced only 1.2 percent of total power output in 2015, down from 11.4 percent in 1990. Each year, the proportion of renewable electricity in total power output decreases. Renewable energies such as solar, biogas, wind, and hydroelectric power are now Bangladesh’s most prominent renewable energy sources. The Karnaphuli Hydro Power Station is the country’s only power plant, producing 230 MW of electricity.
As one of the top 20 countries in the world in GDP growth, the power supply also needs to be increased to support future growth, which is bound to happen. Furthermore, to meet the SDGs or sustainable development goals by 2030 and graduate as an advanced nation by 2041, the government will need to use more energy while reducing CO2 emissions. Also, the country is particularly susceptible to climate change. In this scenario, renewable energy might help to continue growth while also protecting the environment.
Therefore, establishing a sustainable energy supply is imperative to ensure sustainable development of the country, especially when the country is constantly striving towards a better future with brimming opportunities. It will surely pave the path to better livelihood, open doors to many other opportunities, and perhaps turn Bangladesh into one of the sufficient nations in the world.
