BERC bats for renewable energy expansion

The expansion of renewable energy is no longer solely an environmental concern but a key requirement for ensuring energy security, saving foreign exchange and maintaining export competitiveness, Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed has said.

"If the budgetary support measures are implemented properly, achieving the target of generating 7,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2030 will be possible," he said while addressing a discussion titled "Incentives for the Renewable Energy Sector in the National Budget 2026-27: A Promising Foundation for a Sustainable Energy Future" at CIRDAP in the capital on Thursday.

Energy experts and environmental activists urged the government to ensure effective implementation of the tax and duty incentives announced for the renewable energy sector in the national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 and to formulate a clear roadmap to maximise their benefits.

They said proper execution of the measures would help strengthen the country's energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuels and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Dharitri Rokkhay Amra (DHORA) organised the programme, which was attended by university teachers, energy experts, researchers, development professionals and environmental activists.

Shafiqul Alam of the IEEFA in Bangladesh presented the keynote paper. He said renewable energy currently contributes only 2.3pc of the country's power generation, far below the global average of around 34pc, while reliance on imported energy has continued to rise.