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CPD Calls for Leveraging Power Plant Cancellations and Managing Currency Risks to Boost Chinese Investment in Renewable Energy

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There are impressive statistics when it comes to the generation of renewable energy in Bangladesh, with approximately 1,374 MWp generated through solar source on the back of private investment. However, some progress has been made, more is still warranted as there are obstacles like high initial investment and market risk which makes it hard to mobilise large scale investments. Some of the methods that could raise finances include loan, equity and green bonds, however these have done no better than deploying a bear market, unlike China’s most attractive financial measures in renewable energy investment. Foreign investors in Bangladesh face hurdles like currency risks, bureaucratic delays, land acquisition challenges, and an underdeveloped financial market, making affordable financing difficult. To add, lack of skilled workers in project implementation is another problem that is present. All of these changes are needed by Bangladesh if it is to increase the amount of foreign direct investment in the renewable energy sector.

These observations emerged at the dialogue titled ‘Overseas Investment in the Renewable Energy Sector: How to Attract Chinese Investment in Bangladesh?’ on Thursday, 17 October 2024.

Dr Fahmida Khatun, Executive Director, CPD, chaired the session and remarked ‘Focusing on Chinese investment is crucial due to China’s rapid progress in renewable energy. Once a major carbon emitter, China now leads in renewable energy capacity. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts China will contribute nearly 60 per cent of new global renewable energy capacity by 2030. This growth results from strategic investments in solar, wind, green hydrogen, geothermal projects, and advancements in battery storage and supply chain.’

In his keynote presentation, Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director, CPD, called for leveraging the recent cancellation of power plant projects as an opportunity for Chinese investors, urging the Government to adopt an open and competitive tendering process. He suggested that this new approach could provide a platform for Chinese companies to secure investment opportunities through competitive bids, especially in solar power projects. For the long term, he recommended introducing a reverse auction method for new renewable energy projects, allowing previous bidders to re-enter the market under more favourable terms.

He recommended immediate steps to manage currency risks, including establishing a dedicated fund for hedging products, subsidised currency swaps, and partial guarantees against foreign exchange losses. Dr Moazzem also suggested encouraging local banks to provide credit in Taka to reduce reliance on foreign currency loans. For sustained stability, he proposed developing bilateral currency swap agreements and creating a foreign exchange stabilisation fund to enhance investment security.

To address market risks and ensure revenue stability, he called for the introduction of long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with fixed tariffs. This, he explained, would help investors secure predictable returns on their investments. Additionally, he recommended the creation of a stabilisation fund to compensate for potential revenue losses due to regulatory changes. For the long-term, he suggested fostering public-private partnerships with government-backed financial guarantees to build investor confidence.

In terms of labour market development, he advised immediate collaboration with Chinese educational institutions to establish training programmes for the renewable energy sector in Bangladesh. He highlighted the need for upskilling the local workforce to meet industry demands. For the future, he suggested implementing labour mobility programmes and encouraging foreign companies to set up local training centres in partnership with Bangladeshi firms.

Mr Md. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA, Chairman, National Board of Revenue (NBR) remarked, ‘There is a consensus among us that renewable energy is essential for the future, given its safety and affordability’. He highlighted the challenges of land acquisition, especially in a densely populated country like Bangladesh, with 170 million people and limited land resources. According to him, discussions with the Ministry of Land and the Ministry of Agriculture are crucial, as any reduction in cultivable land could threaten the nation’s food security. He emphasised the need to explore alternatives such as wind and offshore power alongside solar energy, considering the exceptional performance of the country’s farmers over the past few decades.

Mr Chowdhury Liakat Ali, Director (SFD), Sustainable Finance Department, Bangladesh Bank stated that achieving decarbonisation and sustainability goals is not only an environmental imperative but also a financial necessity. He emphasised that the transition to a low-carbon economy is inevitable, and those who invest in this transition today will become the leaders of tomorrow. Bangladesh Bank is committed to supporting these transformations, whether through financiers, business leaders, policymakers, or foreign investors. He invited all stakeholders to join in this journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

‘Renewable energy projects, particularly solar, require significant land—approximately three acres per megawatt of power generated’ highlighted Mr Md. Ariful Hoque, Director General, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA). He elaborated that as a country with limited land resources and competing agricultural needs, this is a challenge. However, options such as utilising unused land within economic zones and other available resources are being explored to support renewable energy development.

Ms Syeda Afzalun Nessa, Head of Sustainability, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, emphasised that Bangladesh has made progress with initiatives such as the Energy Efficiency Conservation Master Plan, the National Solar Energy Roadmap, and the Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan. However, a review of the energy mix, focusing on both long-term and short-term goals, could further refine our path toward sustainable growth. Such reviews can help ensure that our energy strategies remain aligned with our environmental goal.

Mr Md Shahidur Rahman, Country Manager, Jinko Solar Bangladesh urged ‘The current approval process for IPP, rooftop, and other renewable projects in Bangladesh is quite lengthy. Streamlining this process would make it more efficient, encouraging investment. Additionally, government support in the form of tax credits and incentives would further enhance investment opportunities’.

‘The Rooftop Solar Projects are highly feasible, but banks and non-bank financial institutions often perceive them as risky’ highlighted Mr Shafiqul Alam, Lead Energy Analyst, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA). He shared his concern that these projects are implemented on the rooftops of industries, which are often already mortgaged to banks. To mitigate this, credit risk guarantee schemes are needed, similar to those available in other countries, which would accelerate the implementation of rooftop solar projects.

Mr Gan Peng, Chairman, Chint Solar (Bangladesh) Co. Ltd shared insights on Chinese investment in Bangladesh, noting that as a major investor in renewable energy, Chint has a vested interest in the country’s development. He highlighted that while attracting Chinese investment is not particularly challenging, ensuring that these investments materialise into projects is the real difficulty. This challenge, he pointed out, is not unique to Chinese investments but extends to those from Singapore, Malaysia, and Europe.

High-level policymakers, diplomats, foreign delegates, researchers, development practitioners, business leaders and representatives, civil society representatives, international development partners, and journalists participated in the dialogue and shared their valuable insights.