Drivers, barriers, and strategies for implementation of renewable energy technologies in rural areas in Bangladesh—An innovation system analysis

• Published in: Energy policy 2010-08, Vol.38 (8), p.4626-4634
• Main Authors: Alam Hossain Mondal, Md, Kamp, Linda M., Pachova, Nevelina I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Applied sciences; Bangladesh; Barriers; Drivers and barriers; Economic data; Energy; Energy economics; Energy planning; Energy policy; Exact sciences and technology; General, economic and professional studies; Innovation diffusion; Natural energy; New technology; Organizations; Pilots; Policies; Renewable energy; Renewable energy sources; Renewable energy technologies; Renewable energy technologies Drivers and barriers Strategies; Renewable resources; Rural; Rural areas; Rural development; Strategies; Strategy; Studies; Technological change; Technology assessment
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2010.04.018

Bangladesh has good potential for harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar, biomass, wind, and mini-hydropower. The country has been experiencing a gradual shift towards exploring renewable energy resources as a driving force for rural development. A few public sector and non-government organizations have started to develop renewable energy technology (RET) projects in rural areas. The lessons learnt from different demonstrations of RET projects reveal that with careful forward planning renewable energy can provide far-reaching economic, environmental, and social benefits to people living in remote rural areas in Bangladesh. This paper identifies some of the barriers that need to be overcome for the successful development of renewable energy technology sector and betterment of rural livelihoods. It does so through a critical review of policy and institutional settings, as well as present status and lessons learnt from pilot demonstration of a number of RET projects undertaken by different organizations. The study highlights policy implications of the review with the aim of supporting decision makers in formulating renewable energy policies and future plans for Bangladesh.