Bangladesh has achieved nearly 100% access to electricity. But the journey does not stop here. Making sure the power is reliable, affordable, renewable and supported by a more diversified supply mix is essential for ensuring energy security.
Currently, the share of renewable energy in the national grid supply is only 1.5%. To increase clean electricity generation, the World Bank partnered with Bangladesh through the Scaling up Renewable Energy project that added 338 megawatts of renewable energy to the national grid.
The project enabled installation of grid-tied solar power plants and rooftop solar systems to meet the country’s growing energy needs while cutting down carbon emissions. It also contributed to strengthening energy security, supporting a more resilient and diversified power mix, and helping manage long-term costs.
The country’s first-ever 75 MW grid-tied solar power plant in Sonagazi, Feni was built under the project. Installed on low-lying coastal land, the plant includes design features that allow it to operate in flood-prone conditions—an approach now being replicated across Bangladesh.
Another 68 MW solar plant has been installed on the banks of the Jamuna River in Sirajganj . With new public-private collaboration, the project also attracted $212 million in private investment.
The project supported the Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (IDCOL) to rollout a Renewable Energy Financing Facility for both rooftop and utility scale solar PV. It also helped Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) identify sites for large-scale projects and promote new net metering policy for rooftop PV.
Industries are also adopting rooftop solar systems. In addition to lowering energy costs, these factories also achieved compliance with buyer sustainability requirements. Every year, these efforts are helping to cut 377,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
- One of the benefits we receive now is saving electricity and reducing expenses. 1.6 MW of electricity is helping us save around 3,50,000 taka per year. Additionally, we achieve around 1,350 tons of carbon benefits per year, which gives us $6,000 in foreign remittances.”Muhammad Subail Bin AlamCEO, Operations, Rancon Infrastructures & Engineering Ltd
Renewable energy is creating jobs too. The project created opportunities for local communities to build and maintain renewable energy systems, helping people develop new skills and supporting jobs as clean energy continues to expand.
READ MORE: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2026/07/22/powering-bangladesh-s-future-with-renewable-energy
