About:
Mr. Salehaan is an energy developer with nearly a decade of experience in the energy and industrial sector. He is currently the Manager of Business Development at Parker Bangladesh Ltd.
Overview:
He provided a candid assessment of Bangladesh’s renewable energy outlook and the role of the private sector. According to him, Bangladesh’s current renewable energy and decarbonization targets lack clarity. While the government highlights ambitious visions such as Mission 2030 and Vision 2041, he regards these as largely rhetorical, without actionable frameworks or measurable milestones. From the private sector perspective, the primary motivation for investing in clean energy lies in innovation and market opportunities. However, Mr. Saleheen projects that the private sector’s contribution to renewable energy adoption will be less than 10% by 2030, unless significant reforms take place.
Interview:
- The main benefits include:
- Lower long-term energy costs
- Access to green financing
- Improved energy reliability
- Three critical barriers to renewable energy adoption in the private sector:
- Limited access to affordable finance
- Policy and regulatory uncertainty
- Availability of land/sites for projects
- Sectors with the greatest opportunity for clean energy growth in Bangladesh include:
- Rooftop solar for industries
- Energy-efficient machinery and industrial processes
- Electric mobility
- Current policies are not supportive enough of private sector engagement. To accelerate private investment, there is a need for reforms such as:
- Clear and stable renewable energy policy
- Simplified licensing and approval processes
- Long-term renewable energy purchase agreement
- Access to concessional finance or green credit lines
- Tax and VAT incentives
- Public-private partnerships for grid modernization
- The primary role of the private sector in Bangladesh’s energy transition will be to co-develop renewable projects with utilities.
- However, this requires both financing facilities and stronger public-private coordination mechanisms.
- The most urgent action required is the establishment of clear, achievable targets with quarterly milestones.
- Government agencies and officials must be held accountable for progress, rather than relying on vague long-term visions.
- Risks of Inaction: If Bangladesh fails to advance in its energy transition, the country’s dependency on energy imports will continue to rise, especially as domestic gas resources deplete. This would heighten economic vulnerability and undermine energy security.