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• Analyzes South Asia's energy trilemma balancing energy access, security and sustainability. • Focuses on four major regional countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. • Identifies major challenges as lack of energy access, unreliable gird, and unaffordable prices. • Explores the prospects of renewable energy as the key toward a sustainable energy transition. • Presents stakeholder perspectives on crucial dynamics of energy transition. To address the faced challenges – i.e. rapidly growing energy needs, depleting fossil fuel reserves, surging energy prices, risks to security of supplies, and climate change – the World is targeting a sustainable energy transition. This energy transition is primarily propelled by a global decarbonization drive. South Asia, a developing region housing over 23% of the global population, faces the additional challenge of serious energy deprivation. The subject of energy transition has not been explored in the South Asian context in terms of drivers, challenges, and prospects. This paper investigates the prospects of sustainable energy transition in South Asia in terms of resources, consumption trends, and challenges encountered by countries in the region, particularly India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It also examines the sustainable and renewable energy options for the region. An original stakeholder survey provides salient behavioral insights into awareness, attitudes and opinions shaping societal response to energy transition. The findings of the study highlight the serious energy security issues faced by the region in terms of lack of access, inconsistent supplies, unreliable grids, and high energy prices. Renewables like solar energy, wind power, and hydropower have the potential to propel regional countries to energy and environmental sustainability. "Lack of consistent policies and regulations", "lack of political will" and "lack of investment" are found to be the three most important challenges to the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy scarcity and environmental pollution from biogenic residues and wastes are major challenges in the 21st century, which can be converted to useful renewable energy and reduce environmental threats. In Bangladesh, a tremendous amount of biogenic residues is generated which remains largely underutilized. Mono-digestion, which is a common practice in Bangladesh for biogenic residue processing, resulted in low biogas yield. However, Bangladesh has a vast source of biogenic residues which can be utilized through anaerobic co-digestion to increase biogas production. In this paper, a desk study and comprehensive review has been conducted in finding potentiality of biogenic residues in biogas production from available biogenic residues in Bangladesh. Research studies on co-digestion of biogenic residues were reviewed critically, and their practices and benefits on energy production and impact on the environment were stipulated in this study. The study shows that co-digestion of biogenic residues in appropriate ratio increases the biogas production, improves digested quality and reduces GHG emissions. [Display omitted] • Biogas production potential from agricultural and livestock sectors were analyzed. • State of art co-digestion options of animal dung as main feedstock was reviewed. • Co-digestion of crop residues and animal dung lessened environmental burden. • Digestate can be used as bio fertilizer or converted into other forms of fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh has encountered several challenges, including issues like overpopulation, energy shortage, and global warming for the last few decades. Addressing the increasing energy demand has become a crucial concern because of rapid increase in population and lack of growth in the economic. The electricity production of a country heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, which makes up approximately 54% of the current installed capacity. Bangladesh is an agrarian nation and biomass stands out as a source of renewable energy having significant potential to mitigate the demand for heat and electricity. Biomass resources in the country mainly comprise animal dung, agricultural crop residuals, solid waste from municipalities and forest residues. The existing biomass resources contribute to producing a high amount of energy and content of around 1574.16 PJ of energy equivalent to 437.28 TWh of electricity in which agricultural residues, animal manure, municipal solid waste, and forest residues impart around 852.32 PJ, 399.04 PJ, 112.16 PJ, and 210.64 PJ of energy respectively. This paper explores the extent, possibilities, and technologies associated with biomass energy conversion. Additionally, the study delves into the several biomass projects that the government, as well as non-governmental groups, are working on for environmental sustainability along with plans, challenges, and methods that are being utilized to encourage biomass technologies across Bangladesh. [Display omitted] • The biomass potentiality in Bangladesh for heat and electricity generation is emphasized. • The energy scenario and necessity of alternative energy sources in Bangladesh are discussed. • The available energy conversion technologies from biomass in Bangladesh are presented. • The existing biomass resource content of around 1574.16 PJ (437.28 TWh of electricity) of energy. • The economic aspects and challenges of biomass conversion into energy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is one of the indispensable inputs for the survival of human being in the earth. Bangladesh has the very inadequate amount of indigenous non-renewable energy resources even which is being diminished rapidly to increase the electricity generation. Although the installed electricity generation capacity has been increased to 10,709 MW, still the amount is insufficient to meet the demand of the country. In addition to this, the insufficient power generation hinders the socio-economic and industrial development. This current problem in power generation of Bangladesh can be removed by incorporating renewable energy into electricity generation. Recently, utilization of renewable energy and Renewable Energy Technologies (RETs) is getting momentum in the country to achieve not only energy security but also to reduce environmental pollution and to limit the imminent depletion of the non-renewable energy resources. Overall, Bangladesh has the vast potential of biomass, solar, hydro, wind, and tidal powers. This paper outlines the present energy scenario of the country. Following this, the potential of available renewable energy resources is also reviewed and presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With radically increased population, rapid economic growth and expansion of urbanization and industrialization, mega-cities of Bangladesh are faces the complexity of municipal solid waste (MSW) management. The purpose of this paper is to review the types of MSW that are currently being used for renewable energy sources. To meet up the power supply for city dwellers and reducing space for new landfills, waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration is playing a vital role for renewable energy production from discarded MSW. Incineration of MSW is complex owing to its low calorific value (~3000 kJ/kg) and high water content (~60%). MSW in Bangladesh contains relatively high proportion of organic matter (74.6%) than paper (9.1%) and plastic (3.5%). Using landfill gas recovery process, generation of electricity from MSW in six mega-cities is ~186,408 kW h/day. Therefore, WTE incineration system contributes greater supply of renewable energy in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh is a small country with its large population struggled with several challenges over the last few decades, including overpopulation, power grid disruptions, floods, and global warming. Sufficient rate of energy production is must for a developing country, but quickly expanding population and overall economic growth interrupt the energy sector. Renewable energy plays a vital role to contribute in this sector. For becoming an agricultural country biomass is an important sustainable energy source for this country. Organic crop residues, animal waste, and municipal solid waste are the most accessible biomass energy sources in this country. On the other hand, by using the membrane gas separation technology the quality biogas can be improved and it helps the environment from the toxic CO 2 which is a major element of biogas. This study represents the extension, potential and innovations identified with the utilization of biomass assets. Besides the improvement of biogas also discussed in this paper. This paper also represents the various initiatives conducted by the government that are all relevant to biomass energy. This work further can be studies to innovate different biomass technology and to improve the quality of biogas. [Display omitted] • Biomass is an alternative and sustainable renewable energy source in Bangladesh. • Thermal and bio-chemical methods are widely used for changing over biomass to energy. • Government plan is to produce electricity by utilizing natural gas, liquid fuel, and peat. • Membrane gas separation technology is used to increase the quality of gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Worldwide, the demand for energy has increased significantly in last two decades, leading to an increased use of non-renewable energy resources. The global agenda aims to reduce the carbon intensity of energy in long-term climate change mitigation strategies, and to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG-7) on affordable and clean energy. Use of renewable energy (RE) can contribute to reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while providing incremental financial resources to stimulate clean development mechanisms. Hydropower continues to be the leading RE option and has the additional benefits of water storage for agriculture and other uses. Drawing on the position of four Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) countries – Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan – this paper investigates the current status of hydropower generation and related policies, and attempts to identify the key challenges to and opportunities for hydropower development in the region. Collectively, four HKH countries have commercially feasible hydropower potential of nearly 190 GW. However, only one-third of this potential has actually been tapped so far. Nepal and Pakistan have tapped 2% and 12%, respectively, of their hydropower potential. The current hydropower supply has not been able to fulfill the electricity demand in the region, where 26–37% of the rural population is living without access to electricity, and future demand for electricity is likely to increase sharply. There are several economic, social, technical, environmental, ecological and political challenges to hydropower production in the HKH countries. Despite these challenges, hydropower remains an important option for achieving renewable energy goals in the region. To achieve these goals, we suggest capitalizing on emerging opportunities such as large hydropower development using a 'smart approach', micro-hydropower promotion, energy trade, and regional cooperation for collective energy development programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Renewable energy can potentially play a role in the supply of safe water in Bangladesh, where nearly 70% of the rural population does not have access to electricity. This paper examines the possible application of renewable energy for pumping water from geologically safe deep tubewells to overcome limitations in existing water technologies in the arsenic-contaminated villages in Bangladesh. Renewable energy, national grid electricity, and alternatives such as diesel engines have been considered as sources of power for both suction and submersible pumps in electrified and non-electrified villages. Three locally available renewable energy sources (human energy, biogas, and solar energy) have been assessed as power sources for reciprocating and submersible pumps. These renewable energy options have not been found cost competitive with the deep tubewells which run off the national grid in electrified villages. However, electricity generated from biogas has the potential to power submersible pumps in non-electrified villages. This paper discusses some financial mechanisms to promote capital-intensive energy options for deep tubewells in arsenic-affected rural areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bangladesh, currently a low middle-income economy aspires to become a high middle income country by 2021. To achieve such aspiration, the country will have to ensure adequate power supply for its fast growing economy. Bangladesh lacks energy resources for power generation. This paper explores some of the power supply scenarios with special focus on power imports and higher use of renewables. Using the technology rich, least cost optimization model 'The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System (TIMES)', the authors developed four possible future power supply scenarios for Bangladesh. These scenarios include an energy security framework (based on the Power System Master Plan (PSMP) 2016 report), a high power import scenario, a scenario with higher use of renewables and a combined high power import - high renewables development scenario. The analysis indicates that the present energy security framework ensures energy security with diversifying fuels used for power generation, however, scenarios with high power imports and a high share of renewables (including the combined scenario) bring down the cost of supplying power along with a reduction in expensive fossil fuel imports while maintaining energy security as fuel sources for power generation still remain diversified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With around 40% of the population without access to electricity but also a high penetration of solar home systems in its off grid areas, the case of Bangladesh is a very strong reference for the applicability of the Sustainable Energy Access for All (SE4A) goals. Nonetheless, while the solar home system program with 3.6 million systems has gained worldwide recognition, there are considerable limitations in the usage of such systems, in particular in the ability to provide access to higher tier energy services for productive use. Minigrids, on the other hand, could provide this access but have yet to proof both scale and commercial viability. This paper provides critical insides into the case of Bangladesh for a cost-effective route to the SE4All goals by applying practical and resource-efficient minigrid design principles. Planning and operation techniques are elaborated on in detail and concluded with a financial analysis for a hybrid solar-PV-Diesel minigrid that provides enhanced energy access in particular for productive use. In addition, implications on the business model are highlighted for developing minigrids in off grid rural areas of Bangladesh for hybrid minigrids ranging from 100 to 250 kWp while exemplarily showing how the three goals of the United Nation Sustainable Energy for All Initiative can be pursued in a mutually beneficial way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores some of the ways of designing a green room with respect to energy efficiency. For design purpose, a model office room of typical dimensions was chosen and its electrical energy consumption under prescribed conditions was evaluated over a year by means of computer simulation. Then, the possibilities of providing the stipulated electrical energy demand solely from solar and wind sources were ascertained. The yields of grid connected solar photovoltaic cells that could be commensurately accommodated on the roof of the room were calculated over a year, via simulation. For wind energy analysis, a wind energy calculator software was made, that can provide dynamic energy calculations, take in wind speed data from anywhere within the computer and at the same time log useful yield data in real time. The simulation results indicated that the designed system could account for an impressive 15% energy demand of the room. The wind energy calculator software predicted results to considerable accuracy when compared to known performances of wind turbines present in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A developing country such as Bangladesh, where economic development without compromising the eco-friendly environment is a burning issue, needs huge supply of power. Having very limited fossil fuels, sources of renewable energy such as solar, wind, biomass and limited hydro power are the probable alternatives to offset energy crisis in Bangladesh and similar other countries. Over three-quarters (76 percent) of Bangladeshi people are out of on-grid connected electrical power supply. Undeniably, it has limited natural gas being used for a large variety of purposes. Energy demand is estimated to increase exponentially, implying alarming supply and demand gap. Despite prospects of huge renewable energy sources, presently, this country has only 0.3 percent of renewable energy share to the total energy supply. This paper reviews the renewable energy status and its prospective use in Bangladesh as well as renewable energy technologies obtainable in Bangladesh. It also attempts to provide future research directions and show ways to harness renewable energies to meet the future demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Energy is a key indicator of the nation's overall economic as well as social development. Looking at the present energy demand scenario in Bangladesh, electricity demand has significantly increased over the past years. Most of the Bangladesh's power plants are heavily dependent on expensive imported fossil fuel energy resources. Thus, the power failure has become an acute problem for the country and adversely affects the socio-economic development of the country. Consequently, the shortage and constraint in availability of fossil fuels appeal to boost up the renewable energy sector in Bangladesh in order to bring down the gap between demand and supply. Hence, decisive steps to reform the power sector with a mandate to oversee these sectors urgently need to overcome current energy crisis facing in the country. In this paper, efforts have been made to summarize the availability, current status, strategies, perspectives, promotion policies, major achievements and future potential of energy options in Bangladesh. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Present energy scenario, alternative energy resources and future prospect in Bangladesh have been reviewed comprehensively and presented in this paper. This work compiles latest literatures in terms of thesis, journal articles, conference proceedings, web materials, reports, books, handbooks on energy and renewable energy resources in Bangladesh. Deficiency in the energy sector is a major problem in Bangladesh, which hinders the smooth economic development workflows. Being the eighth most populated country in the world, Bangladesh is one of the most electricity deprived nations with a total electricity generation of only 5000MW. Thus, Bangladesh is facing difficulty to achieve an overall sustained progress in the economy due to the lack of a sound energy security. In this context, alternatives of conventional energy sources, renewable energy resources can be the sustainable solution for the energy security. This study has discovered the factors that are useful to lessen the existing power supply crisis and summarized the current energy scenario, lack of infrastructure and conventional energy sources to promote the renewable energy sources to fulfill the power demand in Bangladesh. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Solar PhotoVoltaic (SPV) based systems have been widely accepted technology for rural electrification in developing countries. The standalone SPV home lighting system has increasingly been popular among rural households, while SPV mini-grid supply system is being promoted for rural electrification schemes. This study uses data from household survey to explore the impact of household characteristics on the preference for electrical energy from SPV systems. Econometric evidence shows heterogeneity in behavioural pattern for these two SPV systems. The flexibility in use and cost of systems might explain this difference. Household characteristics such as monthly household income, household size, occupational status of household head, number of room and type of house significantly influence household’s decision for SPV standalone home lighting systems. For SPV mini-grid supply household’s income and monthly expenditure on kerosene are significant predictors. The result reported in this paper might be a valuable input for policy makers to frame right policy mix with regard to provide subsidy on rural electrification programmes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy encompasses a broad range of energy resources. Bangladesh is known to have a good potential for renewable energy, but so far no systematic study has been done to quantify this potential for power generation. This paper estimates the potential of renewable energy resources for power generation in Bangladesh from the viewpoint of different promising available technologies. Estimation of the potential of solar energy in Bangladesh is done using a GIS-based GeoSpatial Toolkit (GsT), Hybrid System Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) model and NASA Surface Meteorology and Solar Energy (SSE) solar radiation data. The potential of wind energy is estimated by developing a Bangladesh wind map using NASA SSE wind data and HOMER model. A review of country''s biomass and hydro potential for electricity generation is presented. The technical potential of gird-connected solar PV is estimated at 50,174MW. Assuming that 1000h per year of full power is the feasible threshold for the exploitation of wind energy, the areas that satisfy this condition in the country would be sufficient for the installation of 4614MW of wind power. The potential of biomass-based and small hydro power plants is estimated at 566 and 125MW, respectively. The renewable energy resources cannot serve as alternative to conventional energy resources, yet they may serve to supplement the long-term energy needs of Bangladesh to a significant level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• An IHMS for southern divisions of Bangladesh has been designed and optimized. • Real time field meteorological data of solar, wind and temperature has been used. • The estimation of the reduction of NPC, COE, CO 2 emissions have been reported. • Voltage, Power and Frequency responses reported considering dispatch strategies. • Simulation results from HOMER Pro and MATLAB Simulink have been represented. • Sustainable development and uninterrupted power supply assured from the analysis. This paper evaluates the design and optimization of an islanded hybrid microgrid for various load dispatch strategies by assessing the optimal sizing of each component, the power system responses and different cost analysis of the microgrid. Four divisions of the northern side of Bangladesh namely, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi and Sylhet hybrid microgrids incorporating solar PV, wind turbine, battery storage, diesel generator and a load of 27.31 kW have been optimized for five different dispatch strategies: (i) Load Following, (ii) Cycle Charging, (iii) Generator Order, (iv) Combined Dispatch and (v) HOMER predictive dispatch strategy. The proposed microgrids have been optimized to reduce the Net Present Cost, CO 2 emission and Levelized Cost of Energy. All the five dispatch strategies for the four microgrids have been analyzed in HOMER Pro, and subsequently, the power system responses and feasibility analysis of the microgrids have been performed in MATLAB Simulink. The results obtained in this study provide a guideline to estimate component sizes and costs for the optimal operation of the proposed microgrids under various load dispatch scenarios. The simulation results suggest that the Load Following is the best dispatch strategy having the lowest Net Present Cost of 149,794 USD, Levelized Cost of Energy of 0.204 USD/kWh, Operating cost of 3,698 USD and CO 2 emission of 3,298 kg/year with a stable power system response. Combined Dispatch is found to be the worst strategy having the maximum Levelized Cost of Energy of 0.532 USD/kWh, Net Present Cost of 415,030 USD, Operating cost of 15,394 USD and Green House Gas emissions of 17,266 kg/year and comparatively poor power system responses. Finally, a brief comparative analysis has been presented between designed microgrid system and other hybrid energy systems and conventional power stations in terms of Levelized Cost of Energy, Net Present Cost, CO 2 emissions and operating cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]