Denmark eyes 500MW offshore wind project in Bay of Bengal; emphasises green transition

Denmark is preparing to support Bangladesh in establishing the country's first-ever offshore wind energy farm.

"We are preparing for Bangladesh, and perhaps even South Asia's first-ever offshore wind energy farm. A 500-megawatt park of wind turbines in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Cox's Bazar," said Ambassador of Denmark to Bangladesh Christian Brix Møller.

Speaking at a dialogue titled "Climate Adaptation and Impact Investment," organised by Care Bangladesh today (17 December), the envoy emphasised that climate action must remain at the top of the global agenda despite competing international conflicts.

He added that despite climate change potentially slipping down the global priority list due to conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the green energy transition remains urgent and economically viable.

Citing a recent UN report, the ambassador pointed out that solar and wind are now the least expensive options for new energy generation.

"Over 90% of newly commissioned renewable projects are cheaper than the cheapest new fossil fuel-fired alternatives, and also cheaper than nuclear energy," he added.

Beyond energy generation, the Danish envoy outlined the strengthening of ties in the industrial sector.

He highlighted the conclusion of the "Partnership for Cleaner Textiles" (PaCT) programme with the IFC and BGMEA, which has established a knowledge hub to help Bangladeshi textile industries adopt resource-efficient technologies.

"Economic growth and environmental stewardship do not compete; they reinforce each other," he said.

"The carbon market is important for Bangladesh because it helps to advance national climate goals, attract new streams of green investment, and strengthen global competitiveness," the envoy added.

Speaking at the event, Care Bangladesh's country director Ram Das said, "CARE has advanced a simple idea: people, organised and empowered, can shape their own future. Today, with market-based business models and private sector engagement, that future is investable. Let us move together from grant-funded pilots to enterprise at scale."

He added that interventions like the CLIMB project, a community water enterprise funded by Denmark, have proven that development initiatives can be commercially viable.

"We are ready for the next chapter: a market-powered impact where grants catalyse change. We are advocating for a shift from a one-time relief model to a sustainable finance model, engaging with large private sector entities to build this country," Ram Das said.

At the event, Care showcased six grant-funded projects that could be commercially scalable with proper support.

These include Banana Haylage (a climate-smart solution that transforms banana pseudo stems into low-cost livestock feed), Vermicompost (an organic fertiliser made from biodegradable decomposed waste), Community Water Enterprises, Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA), Palki (centralised community hub) and Sunflower value chain.

Md Shahab Uddin, KML coordinator of Care Bangladesh, explained the functionality of these community-led models. The dialogue concluded with a vote of thanks from Care's humanitarian and resilient futures Director Kaiser Rejve.

The event was attended by scores of stakeholders, focused on locally-led adaptation and practical climate solutions.