Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has directed the formation of a strong, independent research and development institute for the power and energy sector, stressing that it must operate outside ministerial control to effectively support evidence-based policymaking.
The directive was issued on 8th January during a meeting at the State Guest House Jamuna, where the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources presented the Energy and Power Sector Master Plan 2026–2050. The proposed institute will maintain global linkages with similar organizations and provide strategic research inputs to the government.
The master plan targets reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for all citizens through optimal resource use, improved energy security, higher efficiency and environmental responsibility. It identifies policy gaps in previous master plans and proposes phased implementation for 2026–2030, 2030–2040 and 2040–2050.
According to the plan, Bangladesh will require investments of $70–85 billion in the energy sector and $107 billion in the power sector between 2026 and 2050. Priority projects for 2026–2030 include offshore gas exploration, boosting domestic gas production, ensuring LNG supply security, expanding refinery capacity and increasing strategic energy storage.
Long-term initiatives outlined include offshore gas development, large-scale refining and petrochemical expansion, hydrogen and ammonia infrastructure, geothermal energy projects, and tidal and ocean wave-based power generation.
Photo Courtesy by BSS
