Electricity in Bangladesh in 2023

In 2023, Bangladesh's electricity consumption highlights a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with over 100 terawatt-hours (TWh) generated from these sources alone. Natural gas contributes the lion's share with 71 TWh, and coal adds almost 15 TWh. The country imports around 17 TWh of electricity, which further supplements fossil energy. Unfortunately, clean energy sources like solar and hydro contribute a meager 1.54 TWh, collectively. When converted to a per capita basis, the average electricity consumption is considerably lower than the global average of 432 watts per person. Lower levels of electricity generation can hinder economic growth and impede the improvement of living standards, reducing opportunities for education, healthcare, and industrial development.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Bangladesh can take inspiration from countries that have successfully diversified their energy portfolios with clean technologies. For example, China's remarkable wind generation of 886 TWh demonstrates the potential of harnessing wind energy even in developing regions. Similarly, India's achievements in solar energy, producing 113 TWh, suggest that ample sunlight can be converted into a robust power supply. Additionally, the United States and France illustrate the long-term reliability and efficiency of nuclear power, with 775 TWh and 336 TWh, respectively. By investing in wind, solar, and nuclear technologies, Bangladesh can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, curb pollution, and mitigate climate change impacts.

History

Historically, Bangladesh's low-carbon electricity initiatives have been sporadic and primarily limited to hydropower. In the mid-1980s, the installation of hydroelectric plants saw small, incremental increases, around 0.2 TWh annually, but these were often followed by occasional declines, such as the 0.3 TWh drop in 1986 and other sporadic decreases throughout the years. Notably, the early 2000s experienced a small steady decrease in hydropower until a minor revival in the mid-2010s. However, solar power has only recently seen a slight but promising increase, with a 0.3 TWh rise in 2023. This spotty progress indicates an urgent need for more consistent and larger investments in low-carbon technologies to ensure sustainable and reliable electricity generation for the nation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources