Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) has proposed phasing out quick rentals and inefficient power plants by December 2025.
CPD Research Director Dr Khandkar Golam Moazzem put forth the proposal at a meeting titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Energy Transition in Bangladesh: A Citizen's Manifesto” at Brac Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka, on Wednesday.
At the same time, CPD proposed short-, medium- and long-term energy transitions.
During the presentation of the main article on the perspective of political parties, electoral and civil society manifesto in the transition of energy, Moazzem said analyzing the manifestos of the last few elections, it is apparent that the political parties have focused on power generation and energy import.
However, they had no focus on renewable energy, he noted.
“In the master plan, we have seen that the prime minister said 40% of energy production will be from renewables. There are many more plans in the national policy. But if we go to renewable energy, the biggest challenge we face is human resources. Importance should be given from both the public and private aspects.”
“We hope the new government will take appropriate steps in energy, security and renewables in the coming days.”
The CPD research director also called for making public transport electric.
CPD's short-term or implementable proposals by next June include revising the energy demand forecast, use of biogas, payment of energy price in local currency, competitive tendering for power plants and reduction in duty on solar products.
Speakers at the discussion said the government's initiatives in electricity and energy security should be carried out according to plan by considering long-standing demands of civil society.
The meeting made several other proposals, including the inclusion of renewable energy at the centre of power and energy planning, the adoption of an integrated energy policy with common targets and the introduction of a national training program on renewable energy for engineers.
CPD also recommended ministries pay more attention to capacity building.