A just energy transition is crucial to combat the effects of climate change, especially since the power sector contributes 40% of global carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency reported that renewable energy investment reached $771 billion in 2024 but disparities in funding, technology, and capacity-building hindered progress, especially in developing nations.

Bangladesh faces energy challenges and relies on fossil fuels for over 97% of its power [BPDB 2023-24], spending $12 billion annually on imports. The demand is projected to reach 27,345 MW by 2041 [CPD 2024], yet the country has vast renewable potential—156GW solar, 150GW wind. Progress is slow due to limited investment, research, and awareness, highlighting the need for a national renewable energy policy.

The Renewable Energy Fest 2025 aims to bridge these gaps by encouraging policy dialogue, youth engagement, and exhibiting innovations to drive a just energy transition. This three-day event will bring together policymakers, the private sector, development partners, investors, technical experts, youth and civil society to explore pathways for a just energy transition.

Objectives:

•    Policy Advocacy – Promote just, inclusive, and sustainable energy transition policies.

•    Innovation & Technology Fair – Exhibit advancements in renewable energy.

•    Community Engagement – Involve youth, women and CSOs in the energy transition.

•    Collaboration – Strengthen partnerships to accelerate renewable energy adoption.

By uniting diverse stakeholders Renewable Energy Fest 2025 aims to drive policy reform, foster innovation, and build a fair, sustainable energy future for Bangladesh.

Timeline of the Event:  April 22-24, 2025 

Event Structure and Modalities

Day 01: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Opening Rally on Energy Finance:  The fest will commence with an opening rally titled “FixTheFinance” / “FundOurFuture,” featuring speeches from stakeholders and performances focused on renewable energy finance. The rally will emphasize youth and women’s participation. 

Press Brief: A press brief to reflect on the Renewable Energy Fest 2025 among media and journalists

Day 02 & 03: Wednesday-Thursday, April 23-24, 2025 

Inauguration Plenary Session: Distinguished guests and stakeholders will engage in the formal opening, sharing insights on Bangladesh’s energy landscape and sustainable solutions. 

Dialogue Sessions Six dialogue sessions will run parallelly, each covering key themes

Session 01: Social, Environmental, and Sustainability Concerns of Renewable Energy  

The dialogue session on ‘Social, Environmental, and Sustainability Concerns of Renewable Energy’ will delve into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Discussions will highlight the environmental footprint of renewable energy technologies, including land use conflicts, resource extraction for solar panels and batteries, and the ecological impacts of wind and hydropower. Experts  will address the social dimensions, such as community displacement, equitable energy access, and workforce transitions in the renewable sector. The session will also focus on sustainability strategies, including lifecycle management, circular economy approaches, and policy frameworks to ensure just, responsible, and long-term adoption of renewable energy in Bangladesh.

Session 02: Energy Policy and Governance  

 The dialogue session ‘Energy Policy and Governance in Bangladesh’ will explore key strategies for a sustainable and sovereign energy future. Discussions will focus on the National Energy Transition Policy as a guiding framework, the integration of energy policies with national plans, and the role of cross-border collaboration in optimizing resources. Experts will address dynamic energy planning for both short- and long-term goals, along with regulatory processes to ensure transparency and efficiency. The session will also examine the socio-environmental impacts of energy-related land use and fossil fuel reliance, emphasizing the need for advanced transmission systems and equitable grid access to drive an inclusive and resilient energy landscape in Bangladesh.

Session 03: Renewable Energy Financing and investment

The dialogue session ‘Renewable Energy Financing and Investment’ will delve into key financial and policy mechanisms to accelerate the renewable energy transition. Discussions will cover investment strategies, financing models, and cost competitiveness to enhance economic viability. Experts will explore subsidy reforms, tax and tariff adjustments, and their role in fostering a more sustainable energy market. Additionally, the session will highlight the importance of global cooperation and trade policies in scaling renewable energy adoption. By addressing these critical factors, the session aims to provide insights into creating a more attractive and sustainable investment landscape for renewable energy development.

Session 04: Infrastructure, Innovation and Technology of RE

 The dialogue session ‘Infrastructure, Innovation, and Technology of Renewable Energy’ will explore cutting-edge advancements and strategic developments in the renewable energy sector. Key discussions will focus on grid integration, energy storage solutions, and decentralized energy models, including community-based approaches. Experts will highlight the role of research, development, and manufacturing in diversifying renewable energy technologies. The session will also address innovation funding, technology transfer, and capacity building as essential drivers for accelerating the energy transition. This session aims to shape a resilient, efficient, and sustainable renewable energy infrastructure by fostering investment in emerging technologies.  

Session 05: Women in Renewable Energy

The dialogue session ‘Women in Renewable Energy’ will focus on empowering women in the renewable energy sector through knowledge exchange, policy analysis, and skill development. Participants will engage in idea-sharing and learning opportunities to foster innovation and inclusivity. The session will also examine existing policies, identifying gaps and opportunities to enhance gender representation in the industry. Additionally, discussions will highlight the importance of capacity building and mentorship in advancing women's leadership and career growth in renewable energy. This session aims to drive a more diverse and inclusive energy transition .

Session 06: Youth for Energy and Climate Justice

The dialogue session ‘Youth for Energy and Climate Justice’ will serve as an interactive platform for young leaders to drive innovation, policy advocacy, and sustainable energy solutions. Discussions will highlight youth-led initiatives, capacity building, and commitments toward a greener future. The session will bridge global commitments with local actions, empowering young changemakers to influence policy and drive impact.

Session on Policy Recommendation 

The ‘Policy Recommendation’ session will bring together experts from all dialogue sessions to summarize key discussions and insights. This platform will facilitate direct engagement with policymakers, ensuring that critical recommendations on renewable energy financing, governance, innovation, and inclusivity are translated into actionable commitments. The session aims to drive meaningful reforms and strategic advancements in the renewable energy sector by bridging stakeholder perspectives with policy frameworks.