The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), under the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on Monday launched a new initiative to support Bangladesh’s transition towards sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient urban development.
The five-year project, titled ‘Promoting Energy-Related Low Carbon Urban Development (LCUD) in Bangladesh’, is supported by a $ 3.7 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rapidly growing cities by promoting renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient infrastructure, and low-carbon urban planning.
This will be achieved through the development of investment-grade projects, interaction between public and private stakeholders, and awareness-raising among city dwellers.
Attending the event at Bidyut Bhaban as the chief guest, K M Ali Reza, Additional Secretary representing the Secretary of the Power Division, stated, “Dependence on imported fuel remains a major challenge to our energy sovereignty.”.
He emphasised the importance of energy efficiency and called for the development of projects supported by scalable and sustainable business models with strong financial linkages.
“The LCUD project is a timely and critical initiative that aligns closely with our national priorities to scale up renewable energy and energy efficiency,” he added.
Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, highlighted the importance of the partnership, stating, “Urbanization presents both a major challenge and a significant opportunity for climate action. The LCUD project reflects a strong partnership between the government, development partners, and the private sector to mobilize investment in practical low-carbon solutions. Its success will depend on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.”
Muzaffar Ahmed, Chairman of SREDA, expressed his vision for the project, stating, “SREDA envisions the LCUD Project as a practical, result-oriented, and investment-focused initiative.
Success relies on strong cooperation among government agencies, city corporations, and the private sector to unlock both the environmental and economic benefits of renewable energy. Together, we believe the LCUD Project can become an effective and replicable model for Bangladesh.”.
The initiative will target key urban areas, including Dhaka and Chittagong, by promoting investments in energy-efficient buildings, rooftop solar power, and waste-to-energy solutions.
The project is expected to reduce more than 1.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime while contributing to the nation’s climate goals.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Engr. Md. Muzibur Rahman, Director of SREDA and LCUD Project Director, and Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh.
