Electricity in Bangladesh in 2024
In 2024, electricity consumption in Bangladesh heavily relies on fossil fuels, with more than 90% of its electricity coming from these sources. A significant portion of this, around 57%, comes from gas, and nearly a fifth is derived from coal, implying a strong dependence on fossil energy. Net imports contribute close to 8% to the electricity mix while low-carbon energy sources make up about 2% of electricity, illuminating a considerable gap in sustainable energy production. Solar power is at the forefront of low-carbon sources, albeit contributing just over 1%, showing room for significant expansion in this area.
Is Electricity Growing in Bangladesh?
Electricity consumption per person in Bangladesh has shown an upward trend, with the latest numbers reaching 715 kWh per person, marking a noteworthy rise from the previous record of 674 kWh. This increase of 41 kWh per person shows positive growth in electricity usage. Particularly encouraging is the growth in low-carbon electricity generation, hitting a new high of 13 kWh per person compared to the past record of 10 kWh. Despite these gains, the overall percentage of low-carbon energy is still minimal, highlighting the need for intensified efforts to boost clean electricity generation, which is crucial for reducing dependency on fossil fuels and tackling climate change.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity, Bangladesh can draw valuable insights from regions that have successfully scaled up clean energy. Countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy constitutes a substantial part of the electricity mix—at 68% and 62% respectively—demonstrate the potential of nuclear power in providing a stable and clean electricity supply. Similarly, solar energy expansion as seen in Lebanon at 31% indicates how solar can be a viable path for increasing sustainable energy. By investing in both solar and nuclear energy, Bangladesh can pave the way towards a more balanced and green electricity landscape, reducing the perils of fossil fuels and enhancing resilience against climate impacts.
History
Historically, Bangladesh's journey with low-carbon electricity was primarily characterized by its shifts in hydroelectricity until more recent years. In the 1980s and 1990s, hydroelectric power saw frequent fluctuations with both increments and reductions, indicating a period of uncertainty and inconsistency. The early 2000s and the following decade also witnessed some level of instability in hydropower output, with sporadic increases and declines. However, in the 2020s, Bangladesh began incorporating solar electricity, with a noteworthy increase in solar power generation from 2022 onwards. The gradual rise in 2022, 2023, and 2024 in solar contributions alongside modest support from hydropower marks an encouraging shift towards embracing more forms of low-carbon electricity.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.