Target to generate 30% of electricity from renewables by 2040

The government has set a target to generate 30% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2040 as part of its long-term strategy to establish a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.

Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood today (7 June) said this in parliament while replying to a scripted question from ruling party lawmaker Khairul Kabir Khokon (Narsingdi-1) during the day's question-answer session.

The minister said the country's installed renewable energy generation capacity currently stands at 1,781.09 megawatts (MW).

He informed the House that under the Renewable Energy Policy 2025, the government aims to meet 20% of total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040.

The minister said the policy encompasses grid-connected solar power projects, rooftop solar systems and floating solar power plants to accelerate the country's transition toward clean energy.

He also noted that under the Policy for Enhancing Private Sector Participation in Renewable Energy-Based Power Generation, 2025, private investors will be allowed to establish renewable energy power plants and sell electricity either through the infrastructure of government power distribution utilities or directly to large and bulk consumers under their own arrangements.

Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said 26 renewable energy-based power plants with a combined generation capacity of 1,172 MW are currently under construction across the country.

In addition, the tendering process is underway for 15 renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 665 MW, which are expected to be connected to the national grid by 2029, he added.

The minister further said the government has already set a long-term goal of achieving 10,000 MW of renewable energy generation capacity, reflecting its commitment to expanding clean energy and reducing dependence on conventional fuels.