Bangladesh’s solar power industry is undergoing a transformative surge, poised to unlock thousands of green jobs and foster economic resilience. Farzana Akter Isha, a 24-year-old production supervisor at SOLshare, a leading renewable energy technology company, shares her journey in the sector.
Back in 2014, when Isha embarked on her career straight out of school, Bangladesh’s solar sector faced challenges with sluggish demand, prompting many to switch professions. However, recent years have witnessed a remarkable turnaround in renewable energy, driven by more affordable solar power.
The momentum is set to create 3,000 to 4,000 new green jobs in the coming years, with a record-breaking 42 megawatts added in 2023 from rooftop solar projects, including industrial and commercial installations.
Renewable energy experts anticipate a substantial surge as solar power becomes increasingly cost-effective compared to fossil fuels. The government’s efforts to address the energy crisis by tripling coal-based generation in 2023 are seen as a short-term solution, with renewables emerging as a more sustainable long-term option.
Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, director of the Centre for Energy Research at United International University, attributes the surge in solar installations to new investors entering the market, both local and foreign, and an increase in average project size.
According to a 2023 BloombergNEF report, the cost of solar power generation in Bangladesh stands at $97-135 per megawatt hour (MWh), making it a competitive alternative to coal or gas-based power.
Experts predict that by 2025, solar power will become the cheapest energy source in the country. Recently approved independent solar photovoltaic (PV) projects boast tariffs of less than 10 US cents per unit of power, significantly lower than liquid fuel-based electricity.
The economic advantages of transitioning to solar power are evident, as highlighted by a report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). The report suggests that the Bangladesh government could save billions annually by installing 2,000 MW of rooftop solar, reducing the need to import expensive fuels.
A critical challenge remains the lack of reliable estimates for Bangladesh’s rooftop solar potential. Experts emphasize the importance of a comprehensive assessment to provide clarity for financial institutions and enable effective planning for the transition.
As the solar power sector expands, the potential for job creation is significant. A 1 MW solar project can generate jobs across residential, commercial, and utility-scale sectors. The Centre for Policy Dialogue estimates that renewable energy could add about 13,800 jobs by 2030, with the possibility of over 37,000 new jobs through an aggressive energy transition.
Skilled individuals, particularly engineers and technicians, are in high demand as companies invest in green energy. The shift towards larger solar projects has led to the phasing out of low-skilled jobs, but new, higher-quality opportunities are expected to surpass the losses.
Industry leaders emphasize the need for better training to meet the demand for advanced engineering and technical skills. Joules Power Limited, a leading solar energy company, aims to recruit and support fresh graduates, fostering a skilled workforce for the growing renewables sector.
The surge in demand for skilled labor may also open doors for women in the sector. Farzana Akter Isha, working in an all-female production team at SOLshare, is mentoring her colleagues and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
As Bangladesh embraces a solar-powered future, the sector’s growth promises not only a sustainable energy solution but also a significant boost to the economy through job creation and increased resilience.
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