Cancel the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP): Protect Bangladesh from fossil fuel dominance and embrace sustainable energy solutions

KEY FINDINGS

In 2023, the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) for Bangladesh was developed with funding from the Institute of Energy Economics Japan (IEEJ) and in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This plan emphasizes coal, LNG, and unproven fake technologies that rely heavily on imports, potentially posing serious risks to Bangladesh's economy. The key  findings of this study are:  

• The IEPMP proposes the use of ammonia, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies, whose effectiveness has not yet been fully tested. Even developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have refused to adopt these technologies. 

• If the IEPMP is implemented, the additional capacity charge will further strain the country's economy. With the funds BDT 1,47,556 crore spent on capacity charges in the power sector in the last 17 years, 18,304 MW of solar power could have been generated, or four Padma bridges or four Metro rail projects could have been built. 

• Under the IEPMP, the reliance on highly polluting coal and LNG could lead to increased air pollution, causing long-term harm to biodiversity and public health. 

• The IEPMP proposes only 13% renewable energy by 2050, whereas in Bangladesh's Climate Prosperity Plans and the Climate Vulnerable Forum goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. 

• The IEPMP threatens Bangladesh's economic growth and energy security; thus, ought to be canceled. Instead, a new master plan should be adopted to ensure ‘zero carbon’ considering national resources, sovereignty, regional security, and environmental balance. 

• In alignment with the commitments made at the United Nations Climate Conference, all coal and oil-based power plants should be canceled. Instead, a comprehensive renewable energy policy should be adopted to ensure 100% renewable energy by 2050.