With the aim of shaping a roadmap for a just and green energy transition through policy reform, showcasing innovative technologies, and ensuring active youth participation, the ‘Renewable Energy Fest 2025’ was inaugurated today (Wednesday) at BUET.
This two-day festival marks Bangladesh’s first celebration dedicated to renewable energy.
It has been jointly organised by ActionAid Bangladesh, BUET, and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD).
Distinguished guests formally inaugurated the festival by unveiling a symbolic sculpture.
Following the opening ceremony, guests visited festival stalls of the Innovation and Technology Fair, where local innovators showcased cutting-edge technologies and ideas in renewable energy.
Corporations also presented their renewable energy products and services. Guests and participants then engaged at the ‘Youth Hub’—a dynamic, open platform for youth-led discussions, cultural performances, workshops, quizzes, and networking.
Later on, a special session titled ‘The Energy Awakening: Justice, Innovation, and Power to the People’ was held, presided over by Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh. Professor Dr Abu Borhan Mohammad Badruzzaman, Vice-Chancellor of BUET, delivered the closing speech of the inaugural ceremony.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Dr Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation and Minister Counsellor of the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh; Md Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director and CFO of City Bank PLC; and Alamgir Morshed, Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL).
During the opening session, a renewed commitment was made to achieve 15% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% by 2050, alongside calls for inclusive, finance-friendly, and citizen-centred solutions.
Emphasising the importance of regional energy connectivity, Dr Michal Krejza stated, “The EU has pledged €1.3 billion. We expect Bangladesh to increase its renewable energy use by more than 3%, reform its energy structure, and pursue political stability through democratic elections.”
Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh highlighted the urgency of expanding renewable energy to meet Bangladesh’s projected electricity demand of 58,410 megawatts by 2041. She remarked, “Expanding renewable energy sources is now imperative. This festival brings together policymakers, investors, and youth to lay the foundation for a coordinated national energy policy.”
Md Mahbubur Rahman, Additional Managing Director and CFO of City Bank PLC stressed the need to bridge financing gaps to attract private capital, simplify bureaucratic processes, and streamline land acquisition for clean energy projects.
Alamgir Morshed, Chief Executive Officer of IDCOL noted, “Without reducing taxes and interest rates, expanding renewable energy is impossible. We must enact structural reforms and secure low-interest financing to ensure fair benefits.”
Recommendations emerging from these dialogues will later be presented to policymakers to help develop an effective national energy transition policy.
Tomorrow, on the festival’s second and final day, three more policy dialogues will be held. In addition, a special session titled ‘Power Pitch’ will introduce local renewable energy innovators to potential investors, providing a platform to present their ideas.
The festival will conclude with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to the renewable energy sector in various categories.
The main objectives of the Renewable Energy Fest 2025 are to establish a foundation for a just energy transition through dialogues, policy and stakeholders influencing, promoting innovations and technological advancements in renewable energy, inclusion of marginalised communities, youth, women, and civil society organisations in the transition process; and foster collaboration between investors and innovators.