Australia is seeking deeper cooperation with Bangladesh in renewable energy, battery storage and clean technologies, as the country works to achieve its energy-transition targets.
At a bilateral seminar on renewable energy, decarbonisation and energy transition in Dhaka on Monday, Australian officials and business representatives highlighted opportunities for investment, technology transfer and joint ventures.
Clinton Pobke, deputy high commissioner at the Australian High Commission, welcomed Bangladesh’s Renewable Energy Policy 2025, which targets 20% renewable electricity by 2030 and 40% by 2041. He noted that renewables currently account for around 5% of the country’s installed power-generation capacity.
Pobke identified rooftop solar, battery storage, floating solar, electric-vehicle charging and grid-scale energy storage as promising areas for collaboration. He stressed that Australian expertise should be adapted to Bangladesh’s local capabilities and development priorities.
Jody McKay, senior trade and investment commissioner at Austrade, said Bangladesh’s focus on solar power and biomass offered significant opportunities for bilateral cooperation.
M Maksud, president of the Australia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called for joint manufacturing, engineering services, research and development, skills development and innovative green financing.
John Grimes, chief executive of RECAP, urged Australian companies to work collectively to develop business opportunities in Bangladesh.
The partnership could help Bangladesh attract clean energy investment, diversify its energy mix and strengthen energy security, while opening new commercial opportunities for Australian businesses.
