Published: 20:52, 18 November 2024
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources, said, “Bangladesh faces major challenges in transitioning to renewable energy. Timely and equity-based financial and technical support is essential for this transformation.”
The chief guest spoke at a side event titled ‘Road to Net Zero: Navigating the Energy Transition in South Asia’ organized at the World Bank-IMF Pavilion of the World Climate Conference (COP29) on Monday (November 18).
“Bangladesh has set a target of supplying 40 percent of its total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2041,” the adviser said. However, financial and technical support is required to achieve this goal. China has been requested to relocate solar manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, which will reduce import dependency. Apart from this, related policies including tax reduction on solar panels are being reviewed.”
Speaking at another UN event, he said, “The implementation of the updated NDC requires 176 billion US dollars by 2030, of which 32 billion dollars will be earned by Bangladesh through its own initiative. But the rest is dependent on international aid. Bangladesh plans to submit NDC 3.0 next year.”
He also said, “Bangladesh seeks the cooperation of world leaders in implementing the ‘Three Zeros’ vision of zero net carbon emissions, poverty alleviation and employment creation.” Besides highlighting the importance of natural resource conservation, he sought Germany’s help in cleaning Bangladesh’s rivers.
Later, Rizwana Hasan participated in the ‘Article 6 Implementation Partnership’ session organized by the Ministry of Environment of Japan. He called for capacity building, technology transfer and investment to Japan.
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How can international support aid Bangladesh in achieving its renewable energy goals by 2041?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Water Resources, Bangladesh
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Syeda Rizwana Hasan! Thank you for joining us today. Your expertise in environmental policy and renewable energy is invaluable, especially in the context of Bangladesh’s ambitious goals. Can you start by telling us about the challenges that Bangladesh currently faces in transitioning to renewable energy?
Syeda Rizwana Hasan: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. Bangladesh indeed faces several significant challenges as we work towards transitioning to renewable energy. One of the main issues is the lack of timely and equitable financial and technical support. These resources are crucial for implementing the necessary infrastructure and technology to shift from traditional energy sources to renewables effectively.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the importance of financial and technical support. What specific types of support does Bangladesh need to achieve its target of sourcing 40% of its energy consumption from renewable sources by 2041?
Syeda Rizwana Hasan: First and foremost, we need investment in technology and infrastructure. This includes everything from solar-powered grids to wind energy turbines. We’re currently in discussions with China about relocating solar manufacturing plants to Bangladesh, which would greatly reduce our dependency on imports and facilitate local production. Additionally, we are reviewing related policies, such as tax reductions on solar panels, which would incentivize both production and consumption of renewable energy.
Time.news Editor: That sounds like a strategic approach. You recently spoke at the World Climate Conference (COP29) during a side event titled ‘Road to Net Zero: Navigating the Energy Transition in South Asia.’ What was the main message you wanted to convey to the international community during this event?
Syeda Rizwana Hasan: The main message was clear: the urgency for comprehensive support from the international community is paramount. Countries like Bangladesh, which are highly vulnerable to climate change, must not only adapt to these changes but also transition to sustainable energy systems. Without equitable financial and technical backing from global partners, achieving our targets will be extremely challenging, if not impossible.
Time.news Editor: It’s vital that the international community understands that urgency. What role do you see local policies playing in this transformation? Are there any specific policies that you believe are particularly effective?
Syeda Rizwana Hasan: Local policies are essential as they set the framework for enabling change. I believe that policies that promote renewable energy usage—like subsidies for solar installations, tax incentives for green technology, and stricter regulations on fossil fuel use—can drive significant progress. We’re currently working on refining these policies to better align with our renewable energy goals.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what do you envision for Bangladesh’s renewable energy landscape in the next decade?
Syeda Rizwana Hasan: I envision a future where Bangladesh not only meets its renewable energy targets but also becomes a regional leader in sustainable practices. With the right support, investment, and policy frameworks, we can create a resilient energy sector that contributes positively to both our economy and the environment.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear just how critical the next few years will be for Bangladesh’s renewable energy journey, and we hope to see continued progress.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan: Thank you! It was my pleasure. Let’s hope for a sustainable future for all.