During the previous government, renewable energy was deliberately neglected, with vested interests favouring coal, oil, and gas-based electricity.
Unnecessary power plants, built under the guise of ensuring 100% electricity coverage, have threatened the environment while increasing loans and subsidies.
To address this issue, new coal-based power plant projects must be halted, idle power plants shut down, and renewable energy promoted to fill the gap, experts and stakeholders said at the launch of the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD) on Thursday.
Md Abul Kalam Azad, manager of the Just Energy Transition (JET) team at ActionAid Bangladesh, outlined the network's objectives, emphasizing that the primary goal of JETnet-BD is to amplify the voice of civil society and mobilize support for a green and sustainable energy future.
"This collaborative network will focus on promoting renewable energy, building the capacity of member organizations, ensuring environmental protection, and influencing policymakers," he said.
Following the network's launch, a 14-point citizens’ demand for a just energy transition, formulated with input from energy and environmental experts, was announced.
The event also featured a discussion titled “From Ask to Reality: Shaping the Energy Future in Bangladesh,” moderated by Farah Kabir, country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.
Urging the government to support this collective initiative, Farah Kabir said: "Through JETnet-BD, we can work together to achieve a 100% renewable energy transition."
She highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in energy policy, which JETnet-BD will pursue through ongoing dialogue with the government.
Dr Mohammad Tamim noted that Bangladesh's home solar system had been undermined by the previous government’s political ambition for 100% electrification.
"A well-planned action plan is required for a sustainable, green energy sector. The government has no transition plan, but we need to focus on community solar initiatives for local populations. Instead of waiting on the government, we must start working ourselves," he said.
Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized the need for advocacy to prevent new coal-based power plants and accelerate the retirement of existing projects.
"With the support of JETnet-BD, we must develop a detailed action plan for building a renewable energy-based supply chain," he said.
Energy expert and former Buet professor Dr Ijaz Hossain said that Bangladesh could save $500 million annually by utilizing solar power instead of fossil fuels.
World Bank Senior Energy Specialist Mbuso Gaufila suggested that beyond solar power, biogas and biomass-based energy, as well as technology innovation at the local level, should be explored.
Prof Dr Khosru Mohammad Salim of Independent University, Bangladesh, called for research and promotion of technologies suited to the local context, such as electric rickshaw charging stations, solar microgrids, and solar incubators, while stressing the involvement of women and youth.
Naznin Akther, director of Business Development at Solaric Group, highlighted that in the industrial sector, solar power could be generated at only Tk3-4 per unit, compared to Tk11-12 per unit from other sources.
Former PowerCell Managing Director Rahmatullah pointed out the previous government’s neglect of renewable energy and urged immediate action to set standards for the sector, particularly regarding the costs of renewable energy components like solar panels and batteries.
The event was attended by Stoyanka Stich, cluster coordinator of GIZ Bangladesh; Tanzina Dilshad, program manager for Environment and Energy at the European Union Bangladesh; Mashiur Rahman, a representative from the Asian Development Bank (ADB); Sunzida Sultana, a member of JETnet-BD's coordination committee; and over 100 representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), development organizations, energy experts, environmentalists, and media personnel.
JETnet-BD, the largest energy network in Bangladesh, includes 75 CSOs, national and international development organizations, energy experts, and environmentalists. The network's 23-member advisory panel includes notable figures such as Dr Mohammad Tamim, Dr Ijaz Hossain, Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, and Shafiqul Alam, lead energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
The network aims to address energy governance, affordable energy, green jobs, women's participation in the energy transition, energy efficiency, energy conservation, environmental protection, and regional cooperation.
