Bangladesh can accelerate its renewable energy transition by expanding clean power generation while making more efficient use of existing power plants and fuel resources, Finnish technology group Wärtsilä said at a forum in Dhaka today (15 October).
The country has nearly 30,000MW of grid-connected generation capacity, compared with record peak generation of more than 17,000MW in May this year. This creates an opportunity to expand renewable energy use while improving fuel efficiency and power system reliability, the company said.
At the Bangladesh Energy Transition Forum, held at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka today, Wärtsilä brought together around 70 representatives from the government, utilities, independent power producers and industry to discuss flexible power generation, sustainable fuels and solutions to meet the country's changing energy needs.
"Bangladesh has a strong foundation for the next phase of its energy transition, with substantial generating capacity and a diversified fuel mix," said Göran Richardsson, energy business director for South Asia at Wärtsilä Energy.
"This creates an opportunity to accelerate renewable energy deployment while using flexible power plants to maintain system reliability. By operating these assets according to the needs of the power system, Bangladesh can make more efficient use of its available fuel resources and support reliable, affordable electricity."
The forum highlighted three priorities for Bangladesh: accelerating renewable energy deployment to meet rising electricity demand and reduce exposure to fuel costs; operating flexible power plants according to grid requirements; and preparing existing plants to use low-carbon and, eventually, carbon-free fuels.
Patrik Farkas, general manager for growth and development in the Middle East and Asia at Wärtsilä Energy, shared international experience in balancing power grids with high levels of renewable energy.
He cited South Australia's 211MW Barker Inlet Power Station, where variable renewable energy sources supplied 78% of electricity in the 2024–25 financial year.
Ulrik Friis, senior product manager for sustainable fuels and performance upgrades at Wärtsilä Energy Services, discussed converting existing liquid-fuel power plants to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), as well as the potential of sustainable fuels such as hydrogen.
Mostafa Zahed Hossain, managing director of Wärtsilä Bangladesh Ltd, said the company had supported Bangladesh's power sector for about three decades, with its engine-based power plants continuing to support the national grid.
Wärtsilä said its Bangladesh team also contributes to the company's international operations. Globally, Wärtsilä Energy has delivered 81GW of power plant capacity across 180 countries, while the wider group employs 17,900 people in 199 locations across 78 countries.
The group's net sales reached €6.2 billion in 2025.
Wärtsilä said flexible power generation, greater renewable energy deployment and the gradual adoption of sustainable fuels could help Bangladesh strengthen energy security while moving towards a lower-carbon power system.