Importance of clean energy

Clean energy refers to energy sources and technologies that produce minimal or no harmful emissions and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional fossil fuels. These energy sources are renewable, abundant, and sustainable, offering significant benefits for mitigating climate change, reducing air pollution, and promoting environmental sustainability.
Renewable energy sources are derived from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water (hydropower), biomass, and geothermal heat. These sources are considered clean because they produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants during electricity generation.
Solar energy is harnessed from sunlight using photovoltaic (PV) panels or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. Solar power is abundant, widely available, and emits no greenhouse gases or air pollutants during electricity generation.
Wind energy is generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of wind using wind turbines. Wind power is a clean and abundant energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants during electricity generation.
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is generated by harnessing the energy of flowing water, such as rivers and streams, using turbines. Hydropower is a clean and renewable energy source that produces no greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation, although it can have environmental impacts on local ecosystems and communities.
Biomass energy is derived from organic materials, such as wood, agricultural residues, and organic waste, through processes such as combustion, fermentation, or gasification. While biomass is renewable, its environmental impact depends on factors such as the source of biomass and the efficiency of conversion technologies.
Geothermal energy is obtained from the heat stored beneath the Earth's surface, typically through the use of geothermal power plants or geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal power is clean, and reliable, and emits minimal greenhouse gases or air pollutants during electricity generation.
Nuclear energy is generated from nuclear reactions, typically through nuclear fission. While nuclear power plants produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, concerns about nuclear waste disposal, accidents, and proliferation make the classification of nuclear energy as "clean" controversial.
Clean energy technologies also include energy efficiency measures and energy storage systems, which help optimize energy use, reduce waste, and enhance the integration of renewable energy sources into the electricity grid. Overall, clean energy plays a crucial role in transitioning to a low-carbon economy, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable development.
Clean energy holds significant importance for Bangladesh due to the country's unique socio-economic and environmental context. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to the adverse impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, increased frequency of natural disasters, and changing weather patterns. Transitioning to clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change and safeguard Bangladesh's environment and economy.
The use of traditional biomass, such as wood and cow dung, for cooking and heating purposes, contributes to indoor and outdoor air pollution in Bangladesh, leading to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths, particularly among women and children. Clean energy technologies, such as biogas stoves, solar cookers, and improved cookstoves, offer cleaner and healthier alternatives, improving air quality and public health outcomes.
Bangladesh heavily relies on imported fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, to meet its growing energy demand. This dependence makes the country vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions in the global market. Investing in domestic renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, enhances energy security by reducing reliance on imported fuels and diversifying the energy mix.
A significant portion of Bangladesh's population, particularly in rural areas, lacks access to reliable electricity. Clean energy solutions, such as decentralised solar microgrids and off-grid solar home systems, offer affordable and sustainable energy options for rural communities, supporting economic development, livelihood opportunities, and poverty alleviation efforts.
Investing in clean energy infrastructure and technologies can stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities across the value chain, from manufacturing and installation to maintenance and operations. Renewable energy projects attract investments, drive innovation, and promote the development of a green economy, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is prone to cyclones, floods, and other natural disasters, which can disrupt energy infrastructure and access to electricity, exacerbating vulnerabilities and hindering recovery efforts. Distributed renewable energy systems, such as solar mini-grids and battery storage solutions, enhance the resilience of energy infrastructure, ensuring access to electricity during emergencies and supporting disaster preparedness and response efforts.
Rapid urbanisation in Bangladesh has led to increased energy demand, congestion, and environmental degradation in cities. Clean energy initiatives, such as promoting energy-efficient buildings, sustainable transport systems, and renewable energy-powered public infrastructure, support sustainable urbanisation and enhance the quality of life for urban residents while reducing environmental impacts.
Clean energy is essential for Bangladesh's sustainable development, offering opportunities to mitigate climate change, improve air quality, enhance energy security, alleviate poverty, stimulate economic growth, enhance disaster resilience, and promote sustainable urbanisation. By prioritising investments in renewable energy and adopting policies that facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy, Bangladesh can build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous future for its citizens.
Dr Matiur Rahman is a researcher and development worker. [email protected]