DHAKA, Aug 24, 2025 (BSS) - Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) today laid emphasis on preparing a SMART Renewable Energy (RE) Roadmap with clear milestones, technology mix, and grid–storage readiness to meet future energy needs.

The private think tank observed that Bangladesh will require more than 35 gigawatts (GW) of renewable power generation capacity to achieve its target of 30 percent clean energy by 2040.

CPD made the observation at a report titled “Revisiting Targets Set for Renewable Energy-based Power Generation by 2040: Projection of ‘SMART’ Target and Required Investment,” launched at an event at the BRAC Centre Inn auditorium in the city.

The study estimated that between $35.2 billion and $42.6 billion will be required from 2025 to 2040 to ensure renewable energy can be integrated alongside existing fossil fuel-based power plants.

Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Dr Fahmida Khanom attended the event as the special guest while Former Research Director at Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr Mohammed Asaduzzaman and Power Grid Bangladesh PLC Chairman Professor M. Rezwan Khan were present as guest of honours.
  
CPD Research Director Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem moderated the session while CPD Senior Research Associate Helen Mashiyat Preoty and CPD Programme Associate Mehadi Hasan Shamim delivered presentations.
In the report, CPD urged the authorities concerned to set a legally binding 30 percent RE Target by 2040 to ensure policy certainty, attract large-scale investment, and guide Bangladesh’s energy transition.
It also highlighted strengthening regional power trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan to secure low-cost clean electricity and reduce domestic supply gaps.

It focused on mobilising $35.2 billion from Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Climate Finance through concessional loans, blended finance, and risk-sharing mechanisms.

CPD also urged the authorities concerned to create a Renewable Energy Financing Facility under SREDA or IDCOL to provide affordable loans and guarantees for solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects.

They laid emphasis on modernising Grid and Deploy Storage with smart grids, digital monitoring, and large-scale storage for stable RE integration and expanding Distributed RE Systems such as rooftop solar, irrigation pumps, and EV charging hubs via net-metering and SME or household incentives.