Electricity in Bangladesh in 2024
In 2024, the majority of Bangladesh's electricity consumption is derived from fossil fuels, which constitute more than 85% of the energy mix. Specifically, gas accounts for nearly half of the total electricity generation, while coal contributes to more than a quarter. Net imports make up a significant portion, around 12%, while low-carbon sources, such as solar, contribute a very small amount to the total mix, accounting for only about 2%. Within the low-carbon category, solar energy represents a minimal share at just over 1%. This heavy reliance on fossil energy raises concerns about environmental impacts, including climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bangladesh?
Recent data indicates a decline in overall electricity consumption per person in Bangladesh. The latest figures show 575 kWh per person, down from the earlier record of 649 kWh per person in 2022. This decrease of 74 kWh per person suggests a worrying trend of stagnation in electricity growth. However, there is a silver lining in the increase in low-carbon electricity generation per person, which climbed to 12 kWh from a previous record of 9 kWh. This progress is encouraging, as it underscores modest growth in clean energy, a critical need for reducing fossil dependence and moving towards a sustainable future.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Bangladesh can look to successful regions that have significantly incorporated clean power sources. Regions like California, where solar energy comprises over 30% of the electricity mix, provide a valuable blueprint for expanding solar technology in Bangladesh. Additionally, countries such as France and Slovakia have successfully integrated nuclear power, contributing to more than 65% of their electricity. Emulating such models, Bangladesh could explore the construction of nuclear facilities to complement its solar initiatives. By diversifying into these low-carbon energy sources, the country can substantially increase its sustainable electricity production, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and benefiting from the environmental and economic advantages of clean energy.
History
Historically, the journey of low-carbon electricity in Bangladesh has been marked by modest changes, concentrated mostly in hydro and solar power. In the 1980s and 1990s, there were minor fluctuations in hydroelectric power generation, with both increases and decreases over the years. For example, the mid-1980s saw changes of +/- 0.2 TWh, while the mid-1990s experienced a notable decrease of 0.5 TWh, followed by recovery. More recently, solar power has begun to make strides since 2022, with slight but steady increases seen in 2022 and 2024. Despite these developments, the scale of clean energy remains limited, highlighting the need for a stronger commitment to expanding low-carbon electricity, particularly through solar and nuclear solutions.
