Electricity in Bangladesh in 2023/2024

Over the past 12 months, from July 2023 to June 2024, the electricity consumption in Bangladesh has been overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 80% of the electricity generated from these sources. Gas alone accounts for approximately 45% of the total electricity generation, while coal contributes around 26%. Net imports play a significant role too, comprising about 16% of the electricity mix. On the other hand, low-carbon or clean energy sources have a very minimal presence, contributing only about 1.6% of the total electricity generation, indicating significant room for improvement in transitioning towards sustainable energy.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Bangladesh can learn from successful countries that have managed to significantly diversify their energy mix. For instance, France and Slovakia have demonstrated the substantial role that nuclear energy can play, with nuclear power providing over 60% of their electricity. Looking to countries with similar economic conditions, such as Pakistan, which generates 18% of its electricity from nuclear sources, and Greece, where solar and wind account for more than 20%, Bangladesh can aim to develop both nuclear and solar power. Prioritizing policies that support the infrastructure for nuclear, wind, and solar energy, as well as attracting investment in these sectors, could facilitate a significant shift toward cleaner electricity generation in Bangladesh.

History

Historically, low-carbon electricity generation in Bangladesh has been volatile, particularly with hydroelectric power showing varied trends since the early 1980s. Initial years such as 1982 and 1984 saw small increases of around 0.2 TWh in hydroelectric generation. However, subsequent years, including 1985 and 1986, experienced declines. The mid-1990s and the early 2000s continued this pattern of fluctuation, with both increments and decrements, highlighting the inconsistency in hydroelectric contribution. Recent years have seen more promising advancements in solar energy, with a notable increase of 0.3 TWh in 2023. These historical data points underscore the necessity for a more stable and robust approach to integrating low-carbon energy sources, focusing particularly on nuclear and solar power advancements.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources