Key Points:
- Renewable energy workforce will grow from 4,500 to 13,778
- Fossil fuel-based power will lose 27.8 percent, 80.1 percent in renewable energy
- Renewable energy will grow 6,000MW
- Electricity generation will reach 28,975MW by 2030
If the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan is put into action, it is anticipated that by 2030, it will generate approximately 9,300 well-qualified positions, thus making a dual contribution to environmental sustainability and economic expansion.
You can also read: Global Strategies and Agreements to Fight Climate Change
Bangladesh is poised for a significant transformation in its power and energy sector, driven by a bold initiative known as the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan. This initiative aims to increase the country’s renewable energy capacity, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. A recent study, titled “Energy Transition in Bangladesh: Its Implication on Employment and Skills in the Power and Energy Sector,” sheds light on the potential impact of this transition on job creation and the skills required for a sustainable future.
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan: Vision for the Future |
| Target: 6,000 MW of electricity |
| Current Renewable Energy: Only 4.6% |
| Job Growth: 9,300+ new jobs |
| Current Employment: About 4,500 employees |
Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan: Vision for the Future
The “Energy Transition in Bangladesh: Its Implication on Employment and Skills in the Power and Energy Sector” study highlights the significance of the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan. This plan is a visionary initiative aimed at propelling Bangladesh towards a sustainable and green future. It sets a target of generating at least 6,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from renewable sources, such as solar power plants and wind farms, by 2030. Currently, the country generates only 4.6 percent of its energy from renewables.
The study conducted by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) predicts that if the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan is implemented successfully, the number of employees in the power and energy sector will increase dramatically, reaching 13,778, compared to the current figure of approximately 4,500.
As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, countries are increasingly turning their focus to renewable energy sources as a means of combating environmental degradation while creating economic opportunities.
Job Functions and Skill Requirements
The study categorized job functions into two groups: construction, installation, and manufacturing, as well as operations, maintenance, and processing. It’s evident that the energy transition will create a demand for various technical positions, which are:
- renewable energy technicians,
- energy storage specialists,
- smart grid engineers,
- energy analysts,
- environmental planners and consultants
- energy efficiency experts,
- green building designers, and architects
In addition to these specialized roles, conventional positions such as executives, sales and marketing officers, and mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineers will continue to be essential.
| Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan |
| Targets by 2030 |
| Electricity Generation: 28,975 MW |
| Renewable Energy Share: 17.4% |
| Reduction in Fossil Fuels: 27.8% |
| Increase in Renewable Energy: 80.1% |
Challenges and Realities
The Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan sets a challenging target of reaching 28,975 MW of electricity generation by 2030, with renewable energy’s share increasing to 17.4 percent. This transformation implies a 27.8 percent reduction in the use of fossil fuels and an 80.1 percent increase in renewable energy use within just seven years.
Dr. Ijaz Hossain, a former professor at the chemical engineering department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating that 2030 is quickly approaching, and the country must adjust its course promptly.
Dr. Hossain noted, “We live in a country where sunlight is one of our major resources, but during the day, we need to conduct load-shedding. Otherwise, we need to use costly furnace oil to produce electricity.” These challenges must be addressed promptly to achieve the ambitious targets of the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan.
Job Creation in Renewable Energy Sectors
The new jobs emerging from this energy transition are spread across various sectors, catering to the specific needs of the renewable energy industry. These categories include:
- Redesigning Academic Courses: Adapting educational programs to meet the evolving demands of the power and energy sector, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable practices.
- Promoting Industry-Academia Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships between educational institutions and industry players to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical skills.
- Supporting Local Manufacturing: Stimulating the local production of renewable energy equipment and components to reduce reliance on imports and boost the domestic economy.
- Creating Green Job Reporting Mechanisms: Establishing systems to track and report the creation and growth of green jobs in the country.
- Developing Transitional Plans for Fossil Fuel Workers: Ensuring a just transition for workers in the fossil fuel sector, helping them acquire the skills needed for employment in the renewable energy sector.
- Conducting More Research: Investing in research and development to address emerging issues and concerns related to the energy transition.
Collaborative Effort
This monumental shift in Bangladesh’s energy landscape cannot be accomplished by the government alone. It requires close collaboration between policymakers, educational institutions, and industry players. Additional Secretary to the labor and Employment Ministry, Fahmida Akhter, and Rector at Bangladesh Power Management Institute, Mohammad Alauddin, emphasized the importance of this collective effort during a recent event. They were joined by other key figures, including Humayun Rashid, President of the International Business Forum of Bangladesh, and Professor Khosru Md Selim of Independent University, Bangladesh.
Current state of renewable energy
Currently, renewable energy contributes to only 3% of the country’s total electricity generation, but the government aims to increase this to 20% by 2025. Moreover, Bangladesh heavily relies on fossil fuels for electricity production, with only 65% of the population having access to electricity. In recent years, the government has been making progress in promoting renewable energy sources with a target of increasing renewable energy’s contribution to 20% by 2025.
Bangladesh is on the brink of a significant transformation in its power and energy sector, driven by the ambitious Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan. This visionary initiative sets a target of generating 6,000 MW of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, a crucial step in reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels. The recent study on the “Energy Transition in Bangladesh” sheds light on the potential impact of this transition, highlighting the creation of 9,300 new jobs and the need for specialized skills. With a concerted effort, Bangladesh is poised to make a significant leap toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.
