Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), the largest energy network in the country, has been launched to achieve a sustainable and just energy transition in the country. The network includes 75 civil society organizations (CSOs), national and international development organisations, local organisations, energy experts and environmentalists. The opening ceremony was held today at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka.
A 23-member advisory panel, including Dr. Mohammad Tamim — Dean of the Faculty of Chemical and Materials Engineering at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Ijaz Hossain, former Professor of Chemical Engineering Department, Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and Shafiqul Alam, Lead Energy Analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA), is associated with the network.
JETnet-BD will work on energy governance, affordable energy, green jobs, women’s participation in a just and green energy transition, energy efficiency, energy conservation, environmental and community protection, campaigning, and strengthening regional cooperation.
Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Manager of the Just Energy Transition (JET) team at ActionAid Bangladesh, presented the network’s goals, objectives, and necessity. ‘The primary goal of JETnet-BD is to amplify the voice of civil society and mobilize everyone for a green and sustainable energy future. This collaborative network will be dedicated to achieving a sustainable energy transition in the country through promoting renewable energy, building the capacity of member organizations, ensuring environmental protection, and influencing policymakers,’ he said. Following the network’s launch, a 14-point citizens’ demands for a just energy transition, formulated with the advice and guidance of energy and environmental experts, was announced. This was followed by a dialogue and discussion session titled ‘From Ask to Reality: Shaping the Energy Future in Bangladesh’ moderated by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh. Experts in the environment and energy sectors participated in the discussion.
Urging the government to stand by this collective initiative, Farah Kabir said, ‘Through the journey of JETnet-BD, we can collectively work towards achieving a 100% renewable energy transition.’
Mentioning that JETnet-BD will work dedicatedly to ensure transparency and accountability through policy dialogue with the government to bring good governance in the energy sector, Dr. Mohammad Tamim said, “Bangladesh’s home solar system has been completely destroyed in the process of fulfilling the political ambition of 100 percent electrification of the previous government. A well-planned action plan is needed to ensure a sustainable and green energy-dependent sector.”
Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) stated, “We need to consider advocacy to influence the government to prevent new coal-based power plants and accelerate the retirement of existing projects. With the support of JETnet-BD, we need to develop a detailed action plan and implementation strategy for building a renewable energy-based supply chain.”
Dr. Ijaz Hossain, energy expert and former professor of BUET, said, “In the current context, Bangladesh can save $500 million annually by utilizing solar power instead of fossil fuels.”
Mbuso Gaufila, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank said, “Moving away from the unilateral impact of solar power, more attention can be given to biogas usage and biomass-based power generation and technology innovation at the local level.”
Prof. Dr. Khosru Mohammad Salim, professor at Independent University, said, “We need to increase research and promotion of innovative technologies suitable for the Bangladeshi context, such as electric rickshaw charging stations, solar microgrids, and solar incubators. Local women and youth should be involved in this work.”
Naznin Akther, Director of Business Development at Solaric Group, said, “In the industrial sector, where electricity is generated at 11 to 12 taka per unit, solar power can be generated at only 3 to 4 taka per unit.”
Among those present at the event were B.D. Rahmatullah, former Managing Director of PowerCell; Mbuso Gaufila, Senior Energy Specialist at the World Bank; Stoyanka Stich, Cluster Coordinator of GIZ Bangladesh; Tanzina Dilshad, Program Manager for Environment and Energy at the European Union Bangladesh; Mashiur Rahman, representative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB); Sunzida Sultana, member of the coordination committee of the JETnet-BD network; and over a hundred representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs), national and international development organisations, environmental and energy experts from local organizations, and media personnel.
