Energy security is defined as the ability of a country to reliably access affordable, sufficient, and safe energy supplies. It is a critical factor for economic growth and development. Bangladesh is a developing country with a rapidly growing population. The country's energy demand is expected to grow by 8% per year over the next decade. Bangladesh is currently heavily reliant on fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal, for its energy needs. These fuels are imported, which makes Bangladesh vulnerable to supply disruptions and price volatility. The government of Bangladesh is taking steps to improve the country's energy security. These include increasing domestic gas production, developing renewable energy sources, and improving energy efficiency.  

Due to its dependence on numerous elements, a country's energy security is a challenging issue to examine. Researchers have identified four aspects of energy security to help with the analysis: availability, sustainability, affordability, affordability, and accessibility. Analyzing a country's position in relation to the above four elements is necessary to determine how secure its supply of energy is.   

Availability 

In Bangladesh, having enough energy resources is a big deal. With its fast-growing population and economy, the country needs a steady supply of energy to keep things running smoothly. Historically, Bangladesh has heavily relied on natural gas and coal for its energy needs. But here's the catch – natural gas reserves are running low, causing shortages and putting stress on the existing energy infrastructure. This over-dependence on limited domestic resources is a significant challenge for energy security. What makes matters worse is that Bangladesh's energy supply chain is vulnerable to disruptions, especially from natural disasters like cyclones and floods, which can damage energy facilities and lead to power outages. Plus, there's the international aspect – Bangladesh imports a significant portion of its energy, like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, and that means it's affected by global market dynamics, such as sudden price spikes or supply issues. Seasonal changes add another layer of complexity, as the country experiences variations in energy supply and demand throughout the year. For example, during the dry season, hydropower generation goes down, and the country relies more on other sources like natural gas and coal. This fluctuation can strain the energy grid and make it challenging to ensure a constant supply. To tackle these challenges and make sure there's always enough energy, Bangladesh needs a game plan. This includes diversifying where it gets its energy from to reduce dependence on finite fossil fuels, making its energy infrastructure resilient to natural disasters, exploring new ways to extract and use resources, and tapping into renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which have a lot of potential. By taking these steps, Bangladesh can better ensure it has the energy it needs for economic growth and protect against supply issues, all while moving toward a more sustainable energy future. 

Sustainability 

Bangladesh's economic growth of over 8% last year is crucial for energy security. However, the country's energy infrastructure is mixed, with excellent electricity generation facilities but subpar transmission and distribution infrastructure. The gas network needs improvement to ensure industrialization spread. The country's economic growth is primarily driven by public sector infrastructure construction, remittance, and agriculture. Industrialization has slowed down, and the banking and share market are under stress. Resolving these issues is essential for energy security sustainability. 

Affordability  

Affordability is a big deal when it comes to energy security in Bangladesh. Picture this: the country's got a wide range of people, from struggling families to booming industries, all needing energy that doesn't break the bank. The situation is far from ideal in terms of affordability. In the last four to five years, there have been several price increases for both gas and electricity. Gas and energy prices will hinder industrial growth if this trend persists. The affordability of energy in Bangladesh is challenged by high energy prices, low incomes, and poverty. To improve the affordability of energy, the government needs to reduce energy prices, promote energy efficiency, provide financial assistance to low-income households, and develop renewable energy sources.  

Accessibility 

Think of energy accessibility in Bangladesh like making sure everyone has a fair shot at getting the energy they need. The country is a mix of bustling cities and far-flung villages, and not everyone has the same easy access to energy. In cities, it's usually easier to find electricity and modern energy services, but in rural areas, things can get tricky. Those remote communities often struggle to get access to the power grid and modern energy sources. So, making sure everyone can tap into energy services, no matter where they live, is a big part of energy security. It's not just about laying power lines; it's also about making energy affordable and practical for people everywhere. To tackle this challenge, Bangladesh needs to expand its energy infrastructure to reach even the most remote areas. This might involve setting up smaller energy systems, like solar panels, that can work independently in places off the grid. Plus, there might be programs and help for folks in low-income households to make energy costs easier to handle. By focusing on accessibility, Bangladesh can make sure everyone has a fair shot at getting the energy they need, which is a huge step towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all its people. 

So, let's wrap it up. Energy security in Bangladesh is like building a solid foundation for a brighter future. It's not an easy task, but it's essential for the well-being of the country and its people. We've seen how availability, sustainability, affordability, and accessibility all play crucial roles in this journey. By diversifying where we get our energy, focusing on cleaner and renewable sources, making sure energy doesn't break the bank, and ensuring everyone, no matter where they live, can access it, we're charting a path towards a more secure and promising energy future. It's not just about keeping the lights on; it's about creating a better life for all Bangladeshis, and even helping the planet along the way. It's a team effort, and by working together, we can make it happen.  

Reference:

01. https://www.tbsnews.net/thoughts/energy-security-what-bangladesh-needs-do-480382

02.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S030142152100584X

03.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260011580_Energy_security_in_Bangladesh_perspective-An_assessment_and_implication

04. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/power-crisis-in-bangladesh/