​We map the formal and informal processes involved in contracting for solar power projects in Bangladesh. The governance of these processes has been poor, and Bangladesh has been contracting solar power at prices that are often more than twice as high as in comparable neighbouring countries.

This particular study aims to assess the current status of solar-based net metering systems in Bangladesh and explore their potential for driving a renewable energy transition. ​The specific objectives included examining the current status of net solar system installations, evaluating the cost-benefit of implementing net-meter based solar systems in industrial premises, and exploring the scalability of such installations in Export Processing Zones (EPZs).

Bangladesh achieved a significant increase in large-scale renewable energy installation, reaching 461 MWP in 2023. This marked a substantial rise from previous years, with notable upward trend from 2013 to 2022. However, Bangladesh ranks 111 out of 190 countries in renewable energy usage2 and achieved only 4.59% of renewable energy with capacity of 1194.78 MW (On-grid 369.16, Off-grid 825.54) in their electricity generation. 

​Climate change is a major threat to human civilization, with two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions linked to burning fossil fuels for energy. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warns that any delay in global action on adaptation and mitigation could lead to missed opportunities for a habitable and sustainable future.

The tea industry of Bangladesh plays a crucial role in the economy of the country, accounting for the direct livelihoods of over 350,000 people living in tea garden areas (ILO, 2014). Tea is one of the important cash crops and a food commodity for export out of the country.

​A rise in sea levels and coastal erosion could lead to a loss of 17% of land surface and 30% food production by 2050. It has been predicted that only due to heat stress per year GDP losses would be 4.9% or at least USD 30 billion losses by 2030; and 3.83 million full-time job losses by 2030.