Residents of major cities in Bangladesh find themselves gasping for clean air, their lives hanging in the balance. The air we breathe has become a silent assassin. The US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) has estimated that in 2019 alone, poor air quality in Bangladesh led to approximately 173,500 deaths. This public health emergency requires immediate attention and a drastic shift in our energy policy for the next 50 years. The current energy policy bears significant responsibility for air pollution, global warming, urban heat, public health issues, and the strain on healthcare budgets. It is imperative to break free from an unsustainable energy policy and embrace the potential of renewable energy sources.

The energy sector, which contributes a substantial portion of global CO2 emissions, is responsible for 40 percent of Bangladesh's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This alarming statistic calls for an urgent reduction in emissions from our energy system. While we understand the importance of economic growth for the 170 million people in our country, we must question the costs associated with achieving this growth.

Over the decades, Bangladesh has made significant progress in increasing its power generation capacity, reaching 26,700MW in 2023 compared to 4,942MW in 2009, as stated by the finance ministry. However, our heavy reliance on coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquid fuel-based power generation using conventional quick rental technology raises significant concerns about the sustainability of our energy sector. There is a probable link between poor air quality, urban heat, and the current energy policy, which also hinders our ability to fulfil our commitment to reducing GHG emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050.

According to the Power Division, a mere 0.38 percent of the country's electricity production came from renewable sources in the 2021-22 fiscal year. This disproportionate dependence on fossil fuels places an economic burden on us and raises concerns about our long-term energy security. The increasing need to import fossil fuels to meet our growing electricity demand further exacerbates the issues related to poor air quality, urban heat islands, climate change, and the additional healthcare costs associated with protecting public health.

Regrettably, the 2022-23 budget failed to prioritise renewable energy sources for energy security. Instead, it allocated a negligible portion of energy, approximately 894MW, generated from renewable resources. The focus was primarily on increasing fuel capacity, oil refinery storage, coal production, and gas collection. This approach disregards the immense potential of alternative sources, particularly hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy, which could offer sustainable and economically viable solutions.

As a tropical country, Bangladesh should seize the opportunity to harness renewable energy. Our neighbouring countries have already taken advantage of their geographic positions to utilise these promising options, which may also hold tremendous potential for us. Additionally, our long coastline and the winds during the monsoon season make wind energy a viable option worth exploring. The mountainous regions in our country could serve as potential hydroelectric resources. None of these options are expensive; instead, they are free, clean, and the most sustainable choices. When we utilise renewable resources for power generation, there are no air pollution or climate change issues.

We must also consider other renewable energy sources, such as municipal waste and biomass. By promoting initiatives that convert waste into energy and utilising agricultural biomass, we can address our energy needs sustainably and contribute to effective waste management practices. Our municipal solid waste is indiscriminately dumped in open sites, causing water, soil, and air pollution. A study published in 2023 by Saint Louis University highlights Dhaka as a hotspot for methane gas due to poor waste management. Since municipal solid waste contains a significant amount of carbon, this resource has immense potential for energy generation.

It is disheartening that Bangladesh has set a meagre target of 4,100MW of electricity generation using renewable energy by 2030. This indicates a continued inclination towards fossil fuel imports, despite our tremendous potential for alternative sources. We should aim higher and envision a future where our energy policy is driven by renewable resources, setting an example for global climate change mitigation. The success of the California state government, which secures 100 percent of its power grid energy from renewable energy sources, and Saudi Arabia's exploration of possible renewable energy sources serve as inspirations for our own journey.

According to a study by Gulagi et al (2020), transitioning to renewable energy has challenges, such as land availability. However, with efficient planning, a mere 10 percent of our land area can accommodate a substantial ground-mounted solar PV installation. Innovative solutions such as rooftop solar systems, small-scale solar with batteries, and floating solar systems can further overcome the limitations we face. It is crucial to recognise that our energy sector plays a pivotal role in our overall development. Prioritising renewable energy over poor operational practices, inefficient technologies, and inadequate maintenance is essential to address and alleviate our challenges. Embracing renewable energy is not a luxury, but a necessity for securing a prosperous future for Bangladesh.

In conclusion, the time for change is pressing. We urgently require a visionary and long-term energy policy that places renewable sources at its core. By fostering a sustainable economy with zero carbon emissions, Bangladesh can become a global leader in climate change mitigation while simultaneously improving the air quality and public health in our major cities. Let us seize this opportunity and take the necessary steps toward a brighter and greener future.

Dr Md Firoz Khan is associate professor of environmental science and management at North South University (NSU), former visiting professor at China University of Mining and Technology, and former assistant professor at the University of Malaya in Malaysia.

Mahfuza Parvin Nusrat is studying environmental science and management at NSU.