Bangladesh launches $123 million fund for rooftop solar

Bangladesh has launched a $123 million fund to provide concessional financing for rooftop solar and other renewable energy projects. Reallocated from the current fiscal year's development budget, the fund aims to support residential, institutional, and industrial installations, including net-metered PV systems and solar irrigation pumps. The government is also seeking additional international funding from partners such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency to meet a goal of installing 4 GW of rooftop solar capacity before next summer.

This initiative comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the nation's energy security and investment climate. While the government aims for renewables to comprise 20% of the electricity generation mix by 2030, experts emphasize the need for a clear strategic roadmap. Such a roadmap would address the utilization of domestic gas and coal reserves to stabilize the energy supply and reduce fiscal pressure, ultimately improving the ease of doing business and attracting industrial investment.