Transforming sustainable energy through microgrids: Bangladesh perspectives

Despite achieving universal access to electricity, Bangladesh faces severe energy issues that hinder its sustainable development. The country experiences frequent power outages, transmission losses, and overreliance on imported fuels. Many rural communities still face unreliable electricity, despite having plenty of untapped renewable resources. Existing studies have discussed microgrids’ technical, economic, and environmental aspects in different regions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, none have evaluated detailed implementation challenges or their contribution to sustainable development. In this regard, this paper investigates how microgrids can transform Bangladesh’s energy landscape while meeting sustainability goals. It identifies key barriers to adoption such as weak infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, financial constraints, complex funding arrangements, difficulties in public–private partnerships, and challenges around social acceptance. It also reviews the technical requirements and policy frameworks within the country’s wider development agenda. Potential sites for microgrid deployment are mapped out, along with the policies needed to integrate them into the grid. Using SWOT and PESTLE frameworks, this paper observes factors influencing microgrid adoption, considering Bangladesh’s geographical and socioeconomic conditions. Based on the assessment, this study finds that microgrids can offer viable solutions to current energy problems by reducing import dependency, creating local employment, and delivering reliable rural power supply. However, regulatory ambiguity, limited technical capacity, high capital costs, and poor inter-agency coordination present significant obstacles. It can stimulate economic growth, enhance educational and healthcare services, and strengthen climate resilience. This analysis provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, investors, and development organisations addressing similar energy access challenges in other developing nations.