Rooftop revolution aligns with Bangladesh's 35,000MW energy vision

Across Dhaka's skyline, once-idle rooftops are being reborn as power stations, marking a quiet but decisive shift in Bangladesh's renewable energy journey.

On the rooftop of "Biniyog Bhaban" in the capital's Agargaon area, a 150 kWp solar photovoltaic installation has emerged as a showcase of how public institutions and utilities can transform unused urban space into engines of electricity, revenue, and climate resilience, according to the Climate Budget Report 2026-27.

The project, implemented under the National Rooftop Solar Programme, is hosted by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).

By providing rooftop space while Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) undertakes capital investment and operational responsibilities, the initiative demonstrates how collaboration between public institutions and utilities can accelerate renewable energy adoption without imposing heavy upfront costs on government agencies.

The system generates between 500 and 600 units of electricity daily - around 15,000 units each month while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 150 to 180 tonnes annually, said the report.

Revenue sharing ensures mutual benefit: Bida receives 10% of the electricity for rooftop usage, while DESCO retains the remaining 90%  along with future carbon credits.

Built with an initial investment of about Tk50 lakh, the facility is expected to recover its costs in just three and a half years, generating Tk14 to 15 lakh annually.

Such financial viability underscores the potential of rooftop solar as a scalable solution for Bangladesh's energy transition.

Beyond economics, the initiative reflects the country's broader climate and development agenda.

The Climate Budget Report 2026-27 highlighted the strategic importance of climate-focused investments, with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury noting that "Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture where climate vulnerability intersects with the pursuit of sustainable and inclusive development."

He added, "In this context, climate finance is not merely a source of support; it is a key enabler of resilience, innovation, and sustainable development."

By 2030, the government has set energy targets: generating 20% of total electricity demand from renewable sources, expanding overall generation capacity to 35,000MW, and extending transmission lines to 25,000 circuit kilometers.

Longer-term plans envision 30 to 50% renewable generation by 2050.

Strategic initiatives to reach these goals include strengthening rooftop and utility-scale solar projects, conducting wind power assessments in coastal areas, piloting waste-to-energy generation, and supporting domestic manufacturing of renewable equipment.

The government is also modernizing the grid through a National Energy Storage Roadmap and offering fiscal incentives such as a zero percent tax rate on the solar sector until 2035 and a 5% rebate on consumer solar electricity bills.

Observers note that the panels atop Biniyog Bhaban symbolize more than a source of electricity.

They represent a practical vision of how Bangladesh can harness innovation to build a greener future.

As Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said in his budget speech, "One of the key objectives of the government is to address the challenges of climate change and to build a green and sustainable Bangladesh for future generations."

For a country where climate vulnerability intersects with the pursuit of inclusive development, rooftop solar is emerging as a powerful tool. It reduces emissions, generates revenue, and strengthens resilience, all while making productive use of space that once stood idle.

As Bangladesh intensifies its renewable energy drive, the rooftop revolution is poised to play a defining role.

Each panel installed is not just a step toward cleaner electricity, but a symbol of national determination to power growth sustainably and secure a brighter future for future generations.