Renewable Energy Resources in Bangladesh: Current Status and Future Prospects

Energy demand is increasing sharply over the years in Bangladesh with the advancement of rapid population growth. The country is very vulnerable to climate change. To mitigate its energy demand as well as to mitigate carbon emission, Bangladesh has taken long term development Plan for renewable energy resources. According to the power system master plan (PSMP) the country has sent up a target of 10% of the total electricity to be met from renewable energy resources by 2020, 15% by 2025 and 20% by 2030. At present Bangladesh shares 2.93% renewable energy of total energy ratio which is 650.14MW whereas total installed capacity of power is 22215MW. 48% which is 10678MW of total power generation depends on natural gas. Since reserve of natural gas is going to be diminished one day so, it is the proper time to achieve the targets set by the country. Major renewable energy sources in Bangladesh are hydro, solar, wind and biogas. This study has examined the present renewable energy status, energy mix of Bangladesh and reviewed the future prospect of renewable energy resources.