From a bird’s-eye view of Dhaka, there exists a scene of plethoric photovoltaic arrays, more commonly known as solar panels, that stretch across the rooftops of the city’s urban infrastructure. In Dhaka, these solar panels are especially prevalent in the more urban areas where development is occurring at faster rates, but progress continues to be made throughout the country. Still, the efficiency and dominance of solar energy as a source of renewable energy compares interestingly to other nations.
Solar energy is the leading source of renewable energy in Bangladesh, making up approximately 75% of the national renewable energy generated. While a mere 3.7% of energy in Bangladesh comes from renewable sources, solar energy remains the dominant source within that 3.7%.
This contrasts with the renewable energy source ratios of other countries. For example, China and the United States -- the first and second highest ranked countries in terms of solar energy use -- both gather their renewable energy generation primarily of wind energy, although solar power, along with hydropower, is also a heavy contributor. Bangladesh differs from these nations with the way that it has a single energy source dominating the renewable energy source pool.
Air pollution hindering efficiency
However, is solar power the best way for Bangladesh to go? Is the nation getting the full benefits from its investments into solar energy? It is commonly known that Bangladesh, and Dhaka in particular, has one of the highest Air Quality Indexes (AQI) in the world at certain times in the year. The capital city has frequently hit AQI levels that are classified as “hazardous” with an AQI over 300.
A study by Andre Nobre, published in the Energy and Environmental Science Journal, produced results suggesting that higher AQI levels diminish the amount of power generated by photovoltaic panels. A high AQI essentially indicates high levels of air pollution and haze in the atmosphere.
The study showed that in Delhi, India, solar panel output was reduced by an annual average of 12% due to pollution-induced haze. In Australia (specifically Sydney and Canberra) the reduction ranged from 15% all the way up to 45% depending on the severity of haze. These reductions are not insignificant -- in fact, that is an understatement.
It is likely that the polluted condition of Dhaka’s air is reducing the city’s solar panel output and effectiveness -- similar to Delhi, Sydney, and Canberra. This is not ideal; the country’s greatest source of renewable energy is only able to be generated at a portion of its full potential. Despite this, Bangladesh continues to work towards a more sustainable future in terms of renewable energy.
The nation has set an admirable goal to generate 40% of its energy via clean energy sources by the year 2041. Of this clean energy, 10% would specifically be renewable energy, which is approximately three times the current percentage of power output production from renewable energy.
It is hopeful that Bangladesh will overcome the current obstacles that stand in the way of greater solar energy efficiency as the country improves its energy renewability and strives towards its goals.
Ann Kaydos-Daniels is a student at the American International School, Dhaka.