In Bangladesh's densely populated urban landscapes, the quest for sustainable energy sources has become imperative. As urbanisation accelerates and energy demands soar, exploring renewable energy options has become a critical strategy for mitigating environmental impact and ensuring a resilient future.
Bangladesh, like many developing nations, faces a dual challenge concerning energy – ensuring a reliable energy supply to meet growing demand while simultaneously addressing the environmental consequences of conventional energy sources. Currently, most of the country's energy needs are met through fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, and coal, leading to concerns about environmental degradation, air pollution, and the contribution to global climate change.
Urban areas, epicentres of economic activity and population concentration, are particularly vulnerable to the environmental repercussions of conventional energy use. As cities expand and energy demands escalate, the urgency to transition toward renewable energy becomes evident. In this context, Bangladesh stands at a crossroads, poised to harness the potential of renewable energy to secure a sustainable and eco-friendly energy future for its urban centres.
Among the renewable energy sources, solar energy stands out as a beacon of promise for urban areas in Bangladesh. The country enjoys abundant sunlight throughout the year, presenting an ideal environment for the proliferation of solar power. Deploying solar panels on rooftops and in public spaces and integrating them into urban infrastructure can tap into this vast solar resource, providing a clean and sustainable energy alternative.
One of the significant advantages of solar energy lies in its decentralised nature, enabling individual households and businesses to generate their electricity. This decentralised approach promotes energy independence and reduces the strain on centralised power grids, enhancing the resilience of urban energy systems. The government's initiatives to promote solar home systems and integrate solar technology into urban planning are steps in the right direction, signalling a commitment to a solar-powered urban future.
While the flat topography of Bangladesh may limit the large-scale deployment of wind turbines, the potential for wind energy in specific urban areas should not be overlooked. Coastal cities, in particular, can harness the consistent coastal winds to generate clean and sustainable electricity. Innovative designs, such as vertical-axis wind turbines, may offer viable solutions for urban environments where space constraints and aesthetic considerations are crucial.
Moreover, urban planners can strategically integrate wind energy infrastructure into urban designs, such as incorporating wind turbines into the architecture of high-rise buildings. This approach not only maximises the use of limited urban space but also transforms buildings into active contributors to the energy grid, fostering a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable urban development.
The organic waste generated in urban areas can be harnessed as a valuable resource for renewable energy production. Biogas, derived from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, presents a sustainable alternative to conventional cooking fuels. Community-level biogas plants can efficiently convert organic waste into biogas for cooking and heating, simultaneously addressing waste management challenges and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Biomass utilisation for energy production also holds significant potential in the urban context. Waste-to-energy technologies, such as incineration and gasification, can convert urban organic waste into heat and electricity. By embracing these technologies, urban areas can reduce the burden on landfills and contribute to generating renewable energy.
While Bangladesh may not be characterised by vast mountainous terrains conducive to large-scale hydropower projects, the potential for micro-hydropower systems in specific urban settings cannot be overlooked. Urban water bodies, such as rivers and canals, can be strategically utilised to generate hydropower at a smaller scale. Innovative technologies, including run-of-the-river systems and underwater turbines, can be integrated into urban infrastructure to tap into the latent energy potential of flowing water.
Despite the vast potential of renewable energy in urban areas of Bangladesh, several challenges must be addressed to facilitate a smooth transition towards sustainable energy practices. The upfront costs associated with installing renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar panels and wind turbines, pose a financial barrier for many urban residents and businesses. Government incentives, subsidies, and favourable financing options can play a pivotal role in overcoming these financial hurdles and encouraging widespread adoption.
Additionally, issues related to intermittency and reliability need to be addressed. Solar and wind energy generation is contingent on weather conditions, which can be unpredictable. The development of energy storage solutions, such as advanced battery technologies, can mitigate the impact of intermittency by storing excess energy during periods of high generation for use during times of low or no generation.
Furthermore, integrating renewable energy into existing urban infrastructure requires thoughtful planning and collaboration between government bodies, urban planners, and the private sector. Incorporating sustainability into urban development plans, mandating the inclusion of renewable energy features in new constructions, and incentivising retrofitting existing buildings are critical steps towards creating energy-efficient and eco-friendly urban environments.
Public awareness and education also play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of sustainability and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy practices. Government-led campaigns, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives can empower urban residents with the knowledge and motivation to embrace renewable energy solutions, creating a groundswell of support for sustainable urban development.
The transition towards renewable energy in urban areas of Bangladesh is not merely a technological shift but a paradigmatic change in how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed. Embracing a diverse mix of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient urban planning is the key to building resilient and sustainable cities.
Government policies prioritising renewable energy, incentivising private sector participation, and streamlining regulatory processes are crucial for creating an enabling environment for sustainable urban development. The collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the academic community can foster innovative solutions and drive the renewable energy agenda forward.
Moreover, international partnerships and collaborations can provide access to expertise, technology transfer, and financial support, bolstering Bangladesh's efforts to build a sustainable urban future. Learning from successful models in other countries and customising those approaches to suit the unique urban challenges of Bangladesh can expedite the adoption of renewable energy practices.
The potential of renewable energy in urban areas of Bangladesh is vast and multifaceted. Integrating solar, wind, biogas, biomass, and hydropower into urban energy portfolios can pave the way for a future where cities are resilient, eco-friendly, and self-sufficient in their energy needs. By embracing this transformative shift towards sustainability, urban areas can take charge of building a greener and more prosperous Bangladesh for generations to come.
The writer is a researcher and development worker.
