USAID has launched a $17 million clean energy project called Bangladesh Advancing Development Growth through Energy (BADGE), aimed at expanding Bangladesh’s access to affordable clean energy and support clean energy entrepreneurship.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Derrick S Brown, joined by Mohammad Alauddin, chairman of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), launched the five-year project, said US Embassy in a statement today.
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry highlighted the five-year project during his visit to Dhaka with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in April.
The project is aimed at fostering transparent and efficient energy markets and advance innovation. It will create an enabling environment for development of advanced energy technologies, high performing energy institutions, increased regional energy trade, and transparent and best-valued energy procurement in Bangladesh.
Speaking at the BADGE virtual launch event, Derrick S Brown said, “We see tremendous opportunity in powering countries like Bangladesh with clean energy. Through the BADGE activity, we aim to improve access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy systems and promote transparent and efficient energy markets.”
BADGE is one of USAID’s main activities to accelerate clean energy and net zero strategies in Bangladesh and achieve Asia EDGE’s goals across the Indo-Pacific region. It is also a part of USAID’s recently launched “Energizing a Net-Zero Asia” initiative that comprises seven new next-generation renewable energy programs, totaling more than $200 million, to establish foundations for a net-zero energy grid in Asia.
Representatives from the Bangladesh Government, academicians, researchers, the private sector, and donors participated in the launch event.
Originally published at The daily star