The US development agency, USAID, on Monday launched a new clean energy project in Bangladesh.
This $17 million, five-year, flagship clean energy project improves access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems and promotes transparent and efficient energy markets, the US embassy said.
USAID Mission Director Derrick S. Brown and Chairman of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority of Bangladesh Mohammad Alauddin announced the launch of the new project titled Bangladesh Advancing Development Growth through Energy (BADGE).
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry highlighted the project during his visit to Dhaka with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in April.
The project will expand Bangladesh’s access to affordable clean energy, support clean energy entrepreneurship, foster transparent and efficient energy markets, and advance innovation.
The activity aims to create an enabling environment for development of advanced energy technologies, high performing energy institutions, increased regional energy trade, and transparent and best-valued energy procurement in Bangladesh.
“We see tremendous opportunity in powering countries like Bangladesh with clean energy. Through the BADGE activity, we aim to improve access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems and promote transparent and efficient energy markets,” Mission Director Brown said.
BADGE is one of USAID’s main activities to accelerate clean energy and net zero strategies in Bangladesh and achieve Asia EDGE’s goals across the Indo-Pacific region.
It is also a part of USAID’s recently launched “Energizing a Net-Zero Asia” initiative that comprises seven new next-generation clean energy programs, totaling more than $200 million, to establish foundations for a net-zero energy grid in Asia.
Representatives from the Bangladesh government, academicians, researchers, the private sector, and donors participated in the launch event.
