Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have launched a five-year initiative aimed at promoting sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient urban development in Bangladesh.
The initiative, titled “Promoting Energy-Related Low Carbon Urban Development (LCUD) in Bangladesh,” is being implemented with a US$3.7 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The project will support renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient infrastructure, and low-carbon urban planning to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rapidly growing cities through investment-grade projects, public-private collaboration, and public awareness campaigns.
Speaking at the launching ceremony at Bidyut Bhaban, Additional Secretary of the Power Division K M Ali Reza said Bangladesh’s dependence on imported fuel remains a major challenge to energy security. He stressed the importance of energy efficiency and investment-ready renewable energy projects backed by sustainable business models.
UNDP Bangladesh Deputy Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne said rapid urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities for climate action, adding that the success of the LCUD project would depend on strong cooperation among government agencies, development partners, and the private sector.
SREDA Chairman Muzaffar Ahmed described the initiative as a practical and investment-focused project that could become a replicable model for Bangladesh’s renewable energy transition.
The project will promote investments in energy-efficient buildings, rooftop solar systems, and waste-to-energy solutions in major urban centers including Dhaka and Chattogram.
According to project officials, the initiative is expected to reduce more than 1.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime while supporting Bangladesh’s national climate and renewable energy goals.
