Bangladesh is seeking to cut its reliance on imported energy by expanding renewable sources. While solar remains the most cost-effective option in the short term, the country's significant untapped wind energy potential is held back by political challenges, limited data, and inadequate infrastructure.

The country currently depends on imports for about 95% of its energy needs and has been hit hard by price spikes following the Middle East conflict. Renewables like wind and solar offer a pathway to reduce this dependence.

Solar is Bangladesh's largest renewable source but still makes up under 3% of installed capacity. Experts say the country must expand solar while also tapping wind, which currently accounts for just 0.22% despite strong potential.

A 2018 study by the USAID and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found wind capacity could grow from 60 MW to 30,000 MW. However, progress has been slowed by political instability and limited expertise, even as newer turbine technology makes wind viable in low-speed regions like Bangladesh's coast.

Legal Hurdles

Bangladesh last year allowed private renewable power producers to sell electricity directly to businesses, enabling firms—especially in the garment sector—to access large-scale solar and wind power beyond rooftop systems. While seen as a major step for industrial decarbonisation, progress has been slow.

A flagship 500 MW offshore wind project near Cox's Bazar, backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners and supported by brands like H&M, stalled after the 2024 political upheaval that ousted Sheikh Hasina. Policy shifts and the removal of a local partner delayed work, though the project has recently resumed without Summit Group.