Over the year from April 2025 to March 2026, Bangladesh relied heavily on fossil fuels for electricity generation, with more than 80% of its electricity coming from such sources. Gas was the primary contributor, making up over 42% of the energy mix, followed by coal, which comprised almost a third at 30%. Net imports furnished an additional 16% to the country's electricity needs. Low-carbon energy sources, which are crucial for reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable growth, accounted for only a small fraction, approximately 2%. Among the clean sources, solar energy contributed over 1%, indicating potential for growth if investments are channeled appropriately into solar infrastructure.

Is Electricity Growing in Bangladesh?

While it might appear that electricity consumption is growing, the latest data suggests otherwise. In 2026, electricity consumption in Bangladesh was recorded at 604 kWh per person, which is a decline compared to the record high of 649 kWh per person in 2022. This drop of 45 kWh indicates challenges in maintaining growth momentum. However, the good news lies in the realm of low-carbon energy. Generation per person from clean sources increased slightly to 14 kWh in 2026, marking a new high from the previous record of 13 kWh set in 2025. This small but significant increase reflects incremental progress towards sustainable energy solutions.

Suggestions

To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Bangladesh could learn from global success stories. Countries like France and Slovakia illustrate the potential of nuclear power, generating over two-thirds of their electricity from this clean source. Additionally, regions like California and Lebanon demonstrate the viability of solar energy, each achieving over 30% of their electricity from solar sources. Bangladesh should consider investments in both nuclear and solar technologies, capitalizing on its abundant sunlight and the growing affordability of solar panels, while also exploring the potential benefits of nuclear energy for a stable and clean electricity supply.

History

Tracing Bangladesh's history in low-carbon electricity shows a fluctuating journey, primarily within the realm of hydroelectric power, from small upticks in the early 1980s and again in the 1990s, to minor downturns observed in the early 21st century like in 2009 and 2014. However, recent years have also seen a positive trend with the introduction of solar energy, enhancing the country's clean electricity portfolio. From 2022 to 2025, solar power increased by 0.3 TWh each year, signalling a promising future for solar in Bangladesh's low-carbon energy landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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