The energy sector needs a coordinated policy framework: SANEM

Experts say the country’s energy sector continues to struggle with inconsistencies and inefficiencies due to the lack of a coordinated policy framework and reliance on arbitrary decisions.

They called for the creation of a comprehensive and coordinated policy framework that integrates the entire sector and ensures stakeholder participation.

The experts made this observation at Monday’s webinar titled “Developing a participatory approach to effective policymaking in the energy sector.”

According to SANEM, the last National Energy Policy (NEP) was developed in 1996, but in reality it has not been implemented.

Experts say that after a failed attempt to update the NEP in 2004, a renewable energy development policy was developed in 2008, but its implementation still raises doubts.

Sayema ​​​​Haque Bidisha, professor of economics at University of Dhaka and Research Director of SANEM said: “Despite the existence of many plans in the energy and power sector, they have not received any solid political support.

She said one of the key challenges is the crumbling structure and lack of coordination among various stakeholders. Therefore, supporting public-private partnerships would be more feasible and specific policies are needed to harness solar energy in the irrigation and housing sectors.

Government agencies do not always have access to reliable, timely, and frequent data. Therefore, a proper roadmap and goals are needed to address short-term and long-term challenges.

She also added that providing sustainable renewable energy in Bangladesh should be a key, non-negotiable factor.

The government must now identify urgent issues to achieve energy security and improve efficiency, he said. Sakib ibn Aminassociate professor of economics at North-South University.

“We need to focus on effective time-varying energy policies and work together to address the problem at the root. Our policies should not only focus on short-term solutions but also shed light on medium-term and long-term solutions,” he added.

Dipal C Barua, Founder and Chairman Bright Green Energy Foundationstated that the priority should be to generate solar energy on roofs rather than exploiting agricultural land.

“Excess capacity is not a problem because we have fuel diversification. So, to provide reliable and uninterrupted power, we need to have power,” said Md Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhuryassistant professor at United International University.

During peak demand last summer, total energy production was about 16,500 megawatts compared to a generating capacity of 26,500 megawatts, representing nearly 60 percent of capacity.

“We will need such capabilities to help us cope with fuel price volatility and uncertainty in the future,” he said.

Md Khalilur Rahman Khansecretary Energy Regulatory Commissionsaid the research report of the international project of the founder mostly reflects only their views. Such studies do not bring the expected results, which we must reckon with.