A move by the government to review a 14-year-old renewable energy policy has been lauded by experts and industry stakeholders as Bangladesh is desperate to find out alternative sources of power generation amid a volatile global fuel market and gas shortages at home. In the energy-hungry country, which is struggling to ensure energy security for its burgeoning manufacturing sector amid forecast that the economy could face further stress, experts say renewable energy sources could be a major option to ensure adequate supply to its industries. Industry insiders say the decision to revise the policy came as the government has a target to generate 40 percent of electricity from renewable energy by 2041 in line with its commitment to the COP26, a UN-backed climate conference held in Glasgow in November last year. The current crisis in the country’s power sector, stemmed from the rising prices of fuel as a result of Ukraine war, has also prompted the government to look for other options for energy. Also read: Renewable energy jobs rise to 12.7 million globally. According to official statistics, the country now generates about 911 MW (solar 677 MW, hydro 230 MW and others 2 MW) from renewable energy sources while the total power generation is more than 25,000 MW, which means the renewable energy's share is less than 4 percent. In June, the government suspended operations of all the diesel-run power plants in the country, cutting up to 1500 megawatts of daily production, to ease pressure on the country’s dwindling foreign currency reserves. Business bodies raised their concern about power disruptions. Earlier this month, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said that the situation is so grave that factories are remaining without power now for around 4 to 10 hours a day. Talking to UNB, experts and officials say the move to revise the "Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh 2008" to make it more effective in the changed scenario in the country’s energy and power sector is very positive. Read: Govt working to revise renewable energy policy: Recent primary fuels crisis a reason But they say taking up “a target-oriented action with an effective roadmap” to achieve a power generation goal should find its way. They also strongly suggest that setting up of a separate division under the power and energy ministry to effectively implement the renewable energy schemes should be undertaken under the revised policy. “Unless a specific numeric megawatt-based target is set, any goal might not be achievable despite bringing any changes to the existing policy”, Dr M Tamim, eminent energy expert in the country, told UNB. Read Govt working to revise renewable energy policy: Recent primary fuels crisis a reason Officials say the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda), the focal point under Power Division of the government, has already appointed a consultant. The consultant - Development Technical Consultants Pvt. Ltd (DTCL) – held a consultation meeting on September 20 as part of its process to accommodate opinions of the stakeholders and experts on the issue. The firm has also been holding a series of meetings with experts and other groups to finalise a draft proposal on the policy. Read Green Economy in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges Dr Tamim, who was also involved in the previous process of the policy formation, said there should be a specific numeric target instead of current percentage-based goal in renewable energy to implement a plan. “A specific target and an action-based roadmap are more essential than a policy to achieve a goal when it comes to the renewable energy issue”, he said adding that the government’s direct involvement with the process is crucial. To add dynamism, Tamim also suggested creating a new division, headed by a full-fledged secretary, under the power, energy and mineral resources ministry, to implement the government’s plan on renewable energy. Read Huawei Technologies intends to support RMG industry in renewable energy Identifying the scarcity of land a major impediment for a renewable energy project, Dr Tamim also suggested for arranging land for solar power projects by the government as it is difficult for a private sector investor to find an undisputed large piece of land in one location. “Only government can arrange a large undisputed land through acquisition”, he added. Echoing Dr Tamim, Dipal Barua, president of Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), said the government has to play a major role in facilitating private investors to invest in renewable energy. Read TEI GET to promote renewable energy in Bangladesh The neighboring India has a separate ministry --Ministry of New and Renewable Energy--to deal with the renewable and non-conventional energy issue, he said. “That’s why India has been in the leading position in South Asia with its current renewable energy capacity of 150,000 MW,” he said. According to official data, of India’s total 150,000 MW of renewable energy, solar is 48,550 MW, wind 40,030 MW, small hydro power 4,830 MW, biomass 10,620 MW, large hydro 46,510 MW, and nuclear 6,780 MW. India has a goal to generate 500 GW renewable energy by 2030. Read Why solar power investors are in no man's land Munawar Moin, Vice President of BSREA and President of Solar Module Manufacturers Association of Bangladesh (SMAB), said the government should introduce a policy under which the local solar industry could utilise their full potential. Cost of solar energy decreased substantially and has created a huge scope for investment in mega projects, he said. Sohel Ahmed, managing director of Grameen Shakti, a leading firm in renewable energy, founded by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, said that the current Net Metering Policy could play a vital role in promoting rooftop solar power by “Opex Model” if the government effectively applies one of its provisions through which action could be taken against a defaulter customer by disconnecting his conventional electricity line. Read Bangladesh seeks IRENA’s support to explore renewable energy potential He also said if an insurance policy is introduced in Net Metering Rooftop Solar projects, it will give more confidence to investors to invest in rooftop solar plants. In solar power system, net metering allows residential and commercial customers who generate their own electricity from solar power to sell the electricity they are not using back into the national grid.

The government is working to revise the “Renewable Energy Policy of Bangladesh 2008” to make it more effective in the changed energy and power sector scenario. Official sources said, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda), the focal organization under Power Division of the government, has already appointed a consultant. The consultant – Development Technical Consultants Pvt. Ltd (DTCL) – has started reviewing the existing renewable energy policy, REPB-2008, and organize focus group discussion for stakeholders. Read:Govt deliberately pursuing import-dependent energy policy: Speakers According to renewable energy industry insiders, the first meeting of the stakeholders will be held on September 20 in Sreda office. The consultant firm convened the meeting on behalf of Sreda where it will make a presentation on the existing policy and seek opinions of the stakeholders to update it in a national and global changed scenario, said an industry insider. He said the initiative have come from the government as a follow-up of its statements to 26th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), held in Scotland, United Kingdom, from October 31 to November 13 2021.   Read: Experts for reining in energy corruption, exploration of alternative sources In the COP26 meeting, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in written statement said: “We are also working for a more sustainable energy mix. We hope to have 40% of our energy from renewable sources by 2041”. She also said, “Recently we submitted an ambitious and updated NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) to the UNFCCC. We have cancelled 10 coal-based power plants worth 12 billion dollars of foreign investment. Currently, as per Sreda statistics, the country generates about 911 MW (solar 677 MW, hydro 230 MW and others 2 MW) while the total power generation is more than 25,000 MW which shows the renewable energy’s share is less than 4 percent. Read: Patience can help overcome crisis in energy sector: Nasrul The recent crisis in primary fuels is another reason behind the move, said a Sreda official. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, recently at a function, said that among other options of renewable energy, solar power has huge potential for Bangladesh. But since it requires substantial land allocation, it needs an innovative solution. He also said Bangladesh is now promoting the options of rooftop and floating solar panels and net metering system has been introduced to popularise the use of solar power. Read Huawei Technologies intends to support RMG industry in renewable energy “There is a good opportunity to work on wind power as well,” he said, adding that wind mapping has been completed for 9 potential sites and feasibility will be conducted on the potential for offshore wind power. Private investors in renewable energy sector welcomed the Sreda initiative to review the renewable energy policy and bring necessary amendments to promote non-conventional energy sources. Dipal Barua, president of Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), termed the initiative “time befitting.” Read TEI GET to promote renewable energy in Bangladesh He said despite a huge potential, the country could not utilize it due to lack of proper action plan. Munawar Moin, Vice President of BSREA and President of Solar Module Manufacturers Association of Bangladesh (SMAB), said the government should introduce a policy under which the local solar industry could utilise their full potentials. Cost of solar energy decreased substantially and has created a huge scope for investment in mega projects, he said. Read Green Economy in Bangladesh: Prospects and Challenges

A webinar titled “Building on the outcomes of COP26: Priority Climate Actions Ahead of COP27” will be held on Friday highlighting the ground reality on the climate front and required efforts to mitigate the situation keeping in mind the climate vulnerability of Bangladesh. The webinar, to be hosted by United News of Bangladesh (UNB) in partnership with the British High Commission in Dhaka, will also discuss ways to strengthen the climate partnership between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. The UK now holds the Presidency until COP27 later this year. Read: Women's participation in climate action: 'Gender equality prerequisite for sustainable tomorrow' Additional Secretary (Climate Change Wing) at the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Md Mizanul Haque Chowdhury, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson, International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) Director Prof Dr Saleemul Huq, its Deputy Director Prof Dr Mizan R. Khan and Independent Consultant, Environment, Climate Change and Research Systems Dr Haseeb Md. Irfanullah will join as discussants at the webinar. United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Director Nahar Khan will  moderate the webinar which will be premiered on UNB Facebook page and its YouTube channel at 7:30pm on Friday. The UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow on 31 October – 13 November 2021. The COP26 summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Read: Climate change to uproot millions, especially in Asia: UN As the Presidency of the COP, the UK says there is "crucial work" to be done as they spend the coming months working with governments and organisations to make sure they deliver on the Glasgow Climate Pact, turning momentum into action. The UK Presidency will do so by aiming for four goals - ensuring promises on emissions reductions are kept to keep 1.5 degrees alive; delivering for climate vulnerable countries by ensuring commitments on adaptation and loss and damage are honoured; getting finance flowing and working together and continuing to be an inclusive Presidency. The 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) to the UNFCCC will take place in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in November this year. 

U.N. climate talks closed Saturday with an agreement on efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels after a last-minute compromise on coal power. Participants from nearly 200 countries also agreed that accelerated action is necessary this decade to address global greenhouse gas emissions, as they wrapped up the nearly two-week conference in Glasgow, which was extended by one day. The agreement at the climate talks, known as COP26, was reached after India and other coal-reliant countries raised objections in last-minute negotiations, which watered down language to a commitment to the "phase-down" of coal power instead of "phase-out." Alok Sharma, the president of COP26, said that confining temperature increase to 1.5 C above preindustrial levels is "a historic agreement" as it had been a major goal when Britain took on the role of the presidency-designate two years ago. Read: Climate consensus appears near; India objects to coal plans Still, "what this will be judged on is not just the fact that countries have signed up, but it will be judged on whether they meet and deliver on the commitments," he said. Japanese Environment Minister Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, who attended the talks, said his country will maintain its policy of using coal power, though it will continue to promote the development of technology to reduce carbon emissions and "prioritize renewable energy as the main power source." Japan has become more reliant on coal power after suspending nuclear power plants following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. It plans to generate 20 percent of total nationwide power through coal in fiscal 2030, in contrast to European countries' shift away from coal power. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who has urged world leaders to take immediate and drastic actions, tweeted, "The #COP26 is over. Here's a brief summary: Blah, blah, blah," adding, "the real work continues outside these halls." Read: Climate talks resume, cautious coal phaseout still on table The 2015 Paris accord sets out a global framework to avoid the most dangerous impacts of climate change by limiting global warming to "well below" 2 C, preferably to 1.5 C, compared with levels before the Industrial Revolution. One of the goals of the COP26, the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, was to keep alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 C. The participating countries must also review and strengthen their emissions-cut targets for 2030 by the end of 2022 under their agreement.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will return home on Sunday morning, wrapping up her two-week visit to the United Kingdoms and France. She left the French capital, Paris, by a VVIP flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines at 4:20pm (local time) on Saturday. Bangladesh Ambassador to France Khandaker Mohammad Talha saw her off at De Gaulle International Airport in Paris. She was given static guard of honour by 21 guards while walking through the red carpet before boarding on the plane. The flight is scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 10:00am on Sunday. Read: PM hands over 1st UNESCO-Bangabandhu prize to MoTIV of Uganda On October 31, the Prime Minister left Dhaka for Scotland on the foreign visit to attend the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) at Glasgow in Scotland, and Bangladesh Investment Summit 2021 in London and handover the first ‘Unesco-Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman International Prize for the Creative Economy’ in Paris. During the tour, Hasina had meetings with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron, French Prime Minister Jean Castex, French Prime Minister Jean Castex, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and other heads of state or government. Besides, she had meetings with UK's Prince Charles, First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, Commonwealth Secretary General Particia Scotland, Bill Gates, as well as other important dignitaries from different organisations and business bodies. The Prime Minister left Scotland for London on November 03 and then went to Paris on November 09. Read: Rohingya repatriation: PM seeks strong steps from world leaders In London, the Prime Minister inaugurated the “Bangladesh Investment Summit 2021: Building Sustainable Growth Partnerships” and Roadshow on November 4. During her stay in Paris, she also attended the inaugural session of the 75th Founding anniversary of Unesco and the Paris Peace Forum. Hasina joined three civic receptions accorded to her by the Bangladeshi community living in Scotland, London and Paris.

The developed countries should come forward right now in fulfilling their commitments to tackle the adverse effects of global climate change, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hassan Mahmud has said. He made the remarks at a meeting with Scottish parliamentarians Foysol Choudhury and Sarah Boyack on Thursday afternoon at the parliament building in Glasgow, Scotland. The minister is now in Glasgow to attend the 26th UN Conference of the Parties (COP26) on climate change. At the meeting Hasan said, "Although some funds have been allocated from the World Climate Fund for tackling disasters caused by climate change, no funds are being allocated for long term adaptation yet." "As a result, countries that are at risk of climate change including Bangladesh have to struggle now," the minister added. He said that under the leadership and encouragement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for climate adaptation, scientists and researchers of Bangladesh have produced varieties of crops tolerant to drought, flood, submergence and salinity with the help of local funding. In an interview after the meeting, the minister said that he discussed with the two Scottish parliamentarians on how to form a friendship group between the two legislatures and work together on various issues of common interest. Foysol Choudhury lauded the overall progress of Bangladesh and its leading role in fighting climate change. Ashek-un-Nabi Chowdhury, Press Minister at Bangladesh High Commission, London was present at the meeting.

The United States on Wednesday became the 101st member country of the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA), as US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry signed the ISA framework agreement to catalyse global energy transition through a solar-led approach.  Kerry described the US membership as a major step towards the rapid deployment of solar power, as he formally signed the framework agreement at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow reported The Economic Times. "It has long been coming, and we are happy to join the International Solar Alliance, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the lead in making," said Kerry. Also read: Kerry says US examining carbon border tax, sees risks "We worked out the details and this is a process we are pleased to be a part of. This will be an important contribution to more rapid deployment of solar globally. It will be particularly important for developing countries,” he said. Union Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav welcomed the US as the 101st member of the ISA, saying this move will strengthen the solar alliance and propel future action on providing a clean source of energy to the world. "Happy that now USA is formally a part of International Solar Alliance, a visionary initiative launched by PM Shri @narendramodi Ji in 2015 at Paris COP. The number of countries who are now part of @isolaralliance is now 101,” the minister later tweeted. The ISA framework, first circulated for countries to support in 2016, emphasises delivering global relevance and local benefit to all countries through collaborations. The ISA's key interventions focus on readiness and enabling activities, risk mitigation and innovative financing instruments to facilitate the promotion and deployment of solar technologies in target markets. "The US' endorsement of ISA's framework and approach is an heartening development, especially as our 101st member nation, which is a significant milestone in itself, demonstrating that nations across the world are recognising the economic and climate mitigating value of solar, as well as this energy source's potential as a catalyst for global energy transition,” said Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the ISA. Also read: India At COP26 Says Its Solar Energy Capacity Increased 17 Times In 7 Years "We are now even more committed to translating this confidence into tangible projects and developments on the ground, accelerating the momentum of solar adoption that has been built so far. We hope remaining nations and economies will follow suit, and align with us to achieve swift, affordable and effective climate action, while also achieving their respective economic growth and long-term development priorities,” he said. The alliance highlights how the approach and methods detailed in the ISA framework have already delivered results, with ISA building a solar project pipeline of nearly 5 GW installed capacity. The approach detailed in the framework is designed to culminate in a vision for interconnected global grids, which was formalised and jointly launched as the ‘Green Grids Initiative – One Sun One World One Grid' (GGI-OSOWOG), during the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 in Glasgow last week by the UK Presidency of COP26 and India Presidency of ISA. Earlier at COP26, the United States also joined the Steering Committee of the GGI-OSOWOG comprising five members – US, Australia, France, UK, and India — and endorsed the One Sun Declaration along with 80 countries. The launch of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Francois Hollande, former President of France, in November 2015 – at the 21st session of United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-21) in Paris, France.

The Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh hosted a 5-day exhibition at Bay’s Edge Gallery, in the backdrop of COP26 taking place in Glasgow, to highlight commercially viable green solutions that can support sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Bangladesh. Denmark’s ambitious goals to reduce carbon footprint and achieve sustainable growth is globally relevant, especially fast growing economy like Bangladesh, says its Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday. Danish Ambassador to Bangladesh Winnie Estrup Petersen emphasised that ‘‘the ‘Green Together’ exhibition embodies and shares with a Bangladeshi audience Denmark’s understanding of sustainability, which is a holistic approach to the environment and lifestyle, and also includes social goals like responsible business, good governance, equality, and inclusion’’. Also read: Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition begins at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy As a frontrunner in green economic growth and a leader in clean technologies, Denmark is well positioned to serve as a knowledge partner for Bangladesh on its journey towards a greener and more sustainable society. The exhibition also included four panel discussions that highlighted key challenges on this journey and opportunities for the Bangladeshi public and private sector.

Two ARTivism competition winners from Bangladesh and one from Rohingya refugee community in Cox’s Bazar are among 17 prize winners in an Asia-wide climate art competition, whose artworks are on display at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. The competition in Asia region, organized by Save the Children, asked children to express their climate crisis concerns and solutions through art. Read: COP26: Time running out in Glasgow, as delegates wrangle over details Finalists in the regional competition were shortlisted from national competitions in eight Asian countries and two refugee communities. In Bangladesh, the competition was jointly arranged by Save the Children in Bangladesh and Kishor Alo.

COP26 President Alok Sharma has announced £120 million to support climate action in Bangladesh. The £120million new programme for Bangladesh, from 2021 to 2027, will scale up locally-led adaptation, expand renewable energy, tackle pollution and waste, and develop and empower the next generation of climate leaders. Read: Bangladesh going for green energy to mitigate climate change impact: Minister The funding for the Bangladesh Climate and Environment Programme will help build resilience, prevent pollution, protect biodiversity, strengthen renewable energy and better manage waste, while also supporting women’s access to finance, education and skills in Bangladesh. He also announced how £165 million of UK funding will tackle climate change, including by addressing the gender inequalities that make women and girls more vulnerable to climate change, and by empowering women and girls to be leaders in climate action. Speaking from COP26 in Glasgow, Alok Sharma said gender and climate are profoundly intertwined. “We see that in terms of the impact of climate change, which affects women and girls disproportionately. And we see it in terms of tackling climate change, where we know our efforts are more effective when women and girls are at their hearts.” Read: 'Funds hardly reach climate-vulnerable people' He said they are committed to women’s participation at every level of climate action and to placing gender at the heart of all our efforts. This is why gender cuts across the full COP fortnight. “And it’s why we’re hosting Gender Day today.” Through its COP26 Presidency, the UK has been urging countries to put gender equalities at the heart of climate action, and on Gender Day convened ministers and other actors to discuss new action to tackle gender and climate change.