Bangladesh’s installed power capacity reached 32,688 megawatts as of 15 September, but its highest recorded generation this year was 17,201MW on 20 May, underscoring a wide gap between available capacity and actual output.
The International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh (ICCB), in the editorial of its July–September 2026 News Bulletin released on Wednesday, said the disparity reflects deeper constraints in fuel supply, transmission, distribution and sector finances, making energy security a growing concern for industrial competitiveness, investment and economic resilience.
Peak generation was 15,487MW below installed capacity, meaning the highest output recorded this year was about 53 per cent of total installed capacity. The figures do not represent idle capacity alone, however, as installed capacity includes captive and renewable power while actual generation also depends on fuel availability, plant availability, demand and grid conditions.
ICCB said the contrast showed that energy security cannot be measured by generation capacity alone. Reliable fuel supplies, an efficient grid, financial sustainability and the ability to deliver electricity when and where businesses need it are equally important.
The government’s Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development 2026–2031 puts greater emphasis on domestic gas exploration, renewable energy, grid modernisation, demand management and financial reform.
It also targets 10,000MW of solar capacity, with rooftop solar expected to play a growing role.
A programme to drill and work over 150 gas wells is already under way, with another 150 envisaged in a later phase.
By mid-September, 31 wells under the first programme had been drilled or worked over, adding an estimated 286 million cubic feet of gas a day, according to ICCB.
The chamber said domestic exploration should be accelerated through a stronger Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company and capable international partners.
Bangladesh is also planning to expand liquefied natural gas (LNG) import capacity as it seeks to diversify external supply and reduce vulnerability to disruptions in global energy markets and shipping routes.
Plans include a 600 million cubic feet per day receiving facility at Maheshkhali by 2028 and a 1,000mmcfd land-based terminal at Matarbari by 2030.
ICCB said LNG should complement, rather than replace, domestic gas development and renewable energy.
The government is targeting at least 20 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 per cent by 2040.
Meeting those targets will require bankable projects, competitive procurement, land availability, stronger transmission infrastructure, energy storage, predictable regulation and easier access to long-term finance, the chamber said.
Rooftop solar could offer one of the faster routes to new capacity because factories, commercial buildings and public facilities can add generation without placing heavy pressure on scarce land.
For businesses, policy predictability remains critical. ICCB said energy-intensive industries need clearer visibility over supply, tariffs and regulation before making long-term investment decisions.
It called for transparent implementation timelines, competitive procurement, regulatory consistency and stronger public-private partnerships.
The chamber said Bangladesh’s energy challenge cannot be solved by gas, LNG, solar or any single technology alone, but requires a balanced mix of domestic resources, imports, renewables, regional power trade and energy efficiency.
The roadmap has set the direction. The test now is whether Bangladesh can turn capacity, fuel and infrastructure plans into reliable and affordable energy for industry and investment.
