In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced steady economic growth, with an annual increase in electricity demand of about 10%. However, the country faces significant challenges related to power supply shortages and an unbalanced energy structure. To accelerate the realization of its “Vision 2041” and the “Golden Bangladesh Dream,” the country is actively advancing its energy transition, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy to 40% by 2041. With the support of a series of China-Bangladesh cooperative clean energy projects, this goal is gradually becoming a reality. Representative projects, such as the Cox’s Bazar Wind Power Project and the Pabna Solar Power Project, have not only alleviated local electricity shortages but also introduced technology, talent, and new pathways for green development.
Breakthroughs in Wind Power Alleviate Regional Electricity Shortages
The Cox’s Bazar Wind Power Project, as Bangladesh’s first centralized wind farm, has a total capacity of 66 MW and an annual power generation of 145.6 million kWh, sufficient to meet the electricity needs of approximately 100,000 households. It has effectively addressed the frequent power outages that previously plagued local hotels and restaurants. The project reduces coal consumption by 44,600 tons and carbon dioxide emissions by 109,200 tons annually, serving as a critical support for regional energy transition and tourism-driven economic development. To date, the wind farm has generated approximately 205 million kWh of electricity and has been hailed by Bangladeshi media as “a model of China-Bangladesh energy cooperation.”
Widespread Deployment of Solar Projects Builds a Green Electricity Supply Network
Multiple solar power stations, including the 64 MW Pabna project, as well as projects in Mymensingh and Sirajganj, have been successively commissioned, significantly enhancing Bangladesh’s clean energy supply capacity. The latest news shows the Pabna project generates approximately 100 million kWh of clean electricity annually, equivalent to saving 39,100 tons of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 100,000 tons. The Mymensingh solar power station helps reduce annual carbon emissions by over 50,000 tons and has resolved unstable power supply issues in areas covered by 170,000 solar panels. These projects have further optimized Bangladesh’s power structure, delivering a continuous supply of green energy to urban and rural areas.
Localization of Technology and Management Cultivates Renewable Energy Talent
China-Bangladesh cooperative projects have not only introduced Chinese equipment, technology, and standards but have also focused on developing local technical expertise in Bangladesh. For example, at the Cox’s Bazar Wind Power Project, eight local operational staff members have acquired wind farm management and operational skills under the guidance of Chinese companies. Employees like Arif have become among the first practical talents in Bangladesh’s wind power sector. The project also includes the construction of integrated smart energy parks, combining rooftop solar panels, charging piles, and intelligent management systems. This initiative lays the foundation for developing future integrated wind-solar-storage energy bases and continues to support Bangladesh in enhancing its independent energy development capabilities.
