Bangladesh Does Not Need To Hurry To Achieve Net Zero

The world community is committed to limiting global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100. But despite hectic parleys in every COP, it appears highly unlikely that net zero 2050 will be achieved.

- Saleque Sufi

Two major polluting countries India and China have categorically mentioned and confirmed that it may be 2060 and 2070 before they achieve net zero. Bangladesh which has a negligible carbon footprint has no obligation to reduce emissions.

There is no need to decarbonize its power and energy sector hurriedly. It does not matter how sooner or later Bangladesh achieves net zero. The real challenge for Bangladesh is ensuring sustainable energy security to keep its economic development growing steadily. We are not sure that JICA-assisted IEPMP 2023 which Bangladesh has adopted has correctly addressed issues and options Bangladesh is encountering in ensuring a smooth supply of primary fuel for feeding its energy generation and supply of electricity and fuel to industries.

The fuel mix suggested in IEPMP 2023 does not align with the global fuel mix scenario. The contribution of RE has not been given priority. Rather emerging technologies like Hydrogen and Ammonia have been preferred over RE. IEPMP mentions about 40% of contributions to clean energy by 2041. But does not explain the exact details of the contributions of solar, wind, Nuclear, and imported hydroelectricity. Bangladesh possesses a significant reserve of highquality coal and mineable depth.