Currently, electricity consumption in Bangladesh is primarily powered by fossil fuels, which make up more than 80% of the total electricity generation. Gas is the dominant fossil fuel, accounting for almost half of the electricity consumption, while coal constitutes about a third. Importing electricity also plays a significant role, contributing to around 16% of the electricity mix. Clean, low-carbon energy sources, however, are close to negligible, with solar making up just over 1% of the total supply. This indicates a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, which carry environmental concerns such as climate change and air pollution impacts.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Bangladesh?

Regarding the growth of electricity in Bangladesh, there is some distressing news. The latest data shows a decline in per capita electricity consumption, from a previous high of 649 kWh per person in 2022 to 605 kWh per person in 2025. This drop of 44 kWh per person is concerning, indicating stagnation in growth, which could hinder the country's development and electrification goals. On a more positive note, clean energy consumption has shown a slight increase, improving by 1 kWh per person from 2024 to 2025. While this growth is modest, it is a step forward in embracing low-carbon energy solutions.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Bangladesh can benefit from the successes of other regions. France's and Slovakia's experience with nuclear power results in nearly two-thirds of their electricity coming from this clean source, making them excellent models for nuclear expansion. For solar, states like California and regions like Chile, where over 30% of electricity generation comes from solar, offer valuable insights. By investing in both nuclear and solar technologies, Bangladesh can drastically improve its clean energy share, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and ensure a more sustainable energy future.

History

Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Bangladesh, the focus has mostly been on hydroelectric power, with noticeable fluctuations over the decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, hydroelectricity saw both increases and decreases, with significant declines in 1995 and 2009. More recently, since 2022, solar power has begun making a positive impact, consistently adding to the electricity mix each year through 2025. This recent addition signifies a promising shift towards diversifying into solar energy, offering hope for a resilient and sustainable power sector in the coming years.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade