National workshop spotlights renewable energy barriers in climate-vulnerable regions
Published: 05:32 PM, 31 March 2026
National workshop spotlights renewable energy barriers in climate-vulnerable regions
A national workshop on renewable energy was held today in the capital, bringing together subject matter experts, policymakers, private sector leaders, financial institutions, and development partners to address key barriers to expanding sustainable energy access in Bangladesh’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Titled “Bridging Macroeconomic Barriers and Field Implementation under the NABAPALLAB Project,” the workshop was jointly organised by CARE Bangladesh and iDE Bangladesh. The event focused on identifying scalable and financially viable renewable energy solutions for ecologically critical areas such as the Sundarbans and Hakaluki Haor.
The workshop was organized under the Adaptation in Ecologically Critical Areas in Bangladesh (AECAB) / NABAPALLAB project, funded by the UK government. The CARE-led consortium includes CNRS, Cordaid, C3ER–BRAC University, DSK, Friendship, Humanity & Inclusion (HI), iDE, and Practical Action.
As part of the consortium, iDE Bangladesh works to strengthen market systems by engaging private sector actors in nature-based solutions and enhancing the capacity of local institutions. Through this approach, the NABAPALLAB project implements integrated livelihood development and ecosystem restoration models, while piloting renewable energy technologies such as solar irrigation systems, solar-powered livelihood solutions, bio-digesters, and other productive-use technologies. These initiatives aim to generate income while reducing energy poverty.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Sameer Karki, Country Director of iDE Bangladesh, said:
“Through the NABAPALLAB project, we are learning what works on the ground and where gaps remain. As energy demand continues to grow, renewable energy will be critical for building a resilient and sustainable future. However, translating policy into practice remains a major challenge, particularly in vulnerable areas. Addressing this requires coordinated efforts across government, private sector, and communities to deliver practical and scalable solutions.”
Nathaniel Smith, Team Leader for Climate and Environment at the British High Commission in Dhaka, stated:
“Bangladesh’s energy transition is not only an environmental priority but also a strategic pathway to long-term economic resilience amid global energy volatility. Through initiatives like NABAPALLAB, the UK is supporting innovative, community-driven solutions in climate-vulnerable areas while fostering partnerships and financing mechanisms that can scale. Collaborative platforms like this are essential to accelerate progress toward a clean energy future.”
Drawing on extensive field experience from the Sundarbans Ecologically Critical Area (ECA), the workshop highlighted the persistent gap between national renewable energy targets and ground-level realities. Participants noted that despite the availability of innovative technologies, adoption remains limited due to financing constraints, high upfront investment costs, supply chain financing gaps, policy implementation challenges, weak market systems, and insufficient incentives for private sector engagement.
Representatives from leading renewable energy enterprises and financial institutions emphasized the ongoing challenges in accessing working capital, managing risks, and sustaining operations in underserved rural markets.
Delivering the keynote address, economist Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman emphasized that Bangladesh’s renewable energy transition is constrained less by technological limitations and more by structural and political economy challenges that hinder equitable access. He underscored the importance of inclusive financing, strong local markets, and scalable, sustainable solutions to bridge the gap between national ambitions and grassroots realities.
In her closing remarks, Selina Shelley Khan, Chief of Party (CoP) of the NABAPALLAB project, called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, financial institutions, and private sector actors to create an enabling environment for renewable energy investment in Bangladesh.
