Over the course of the year from June 2025 to May 2026, the electricity consumption in Bangladesh leaned heavily on fossil fuels, amounting to over 80% of the total electricity generated. Gas formed the largest part, representing almost half of the electricity from fossil sources, while coal followed closely behind, contributing nearly a third. Net imports played a significant role in meeting the country's electricity demand, making up around 16% of the total share. Unfortunately, the portion of electricity generated from low-carbon sources was remarkably small, accounting for slightly more than 2% of the total. Among the low-carbon contributors, solar energy led the charge with a little over 1%, followed by hydropower with close to 1%. The reliance on fossil fuels poses significant challenges for achieving sustainable energy usage and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Is Electricity Growing in Bangladesh?

When evaluating the growth of electricity in Bangladesh, it is clear that there has been a recent decline in overall electricity consumption per person, which is concerning. The latest data indicates that, as of 2026, each person on average consumes 600 kWh of electricity. This figure marks a reduction of approximately 49 kWh per person when compared to the previous peak in 2022, where each person used 649 kWh. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the low-carbon segment, which has experienced a slight increase in per capita generation, rising from a previous record of 13 kWh to 14 kWh. Although this increase is small, it signifies a positive movement towards cleaner electricity, emphasizing the need for further enhancement of low-carbon energy initiatives to reverse the overall decrease in electricity usage and support sustainable growth.

Suggestions

To accelerate the increase of low-carbon electricity generation, Bangladesh can take cues from regions adeptly utilizing solar and nuclear energy. For instance, Nevada and California have both demonstrated remarkable results with solar energy contributing more than 30% of their electricity. Similarly, countries like France and Slovakia lead with nuclear energy contributing to more than two-thirds of their electricity supply. These models of success suggest that a well-planned expansion in solar and nuclear infrastructure could substantially boost Bangladesh’s clean electricity production. Investing in these technologies not only offers a path towards reducing fossil fuel dependency but also aligns with the global trend of sustainable energy growth, thereby fostering a cleaner and more resilient electricity grid.

History

Exploring the history of low-carbon electricity in Bangladesh reveals patterns of both progress and setback. Throughout the 1980s, minor fluctuations in hydropower output were observed, peaking in 1994 before undergoing notable declines in subsequent years. The early 2000s initiated another series of minor adjustments in hydropower, culminating with a promising resurgence in 2016. The promising stride forward in solar energy emerged in the 2020s, with incremental increases every two years from 2022 onwards, showcasing potential for growth in this sector. Although historical shifts in hydropower indicate some instability, the encouraging rise in solar electricity generation suggests a growing momentum for sustainable energy advancements in Bangladesh, highlighting an opportunity for the country to increase its clean energy share robustly going forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jun 2025 – May 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.