Technology group Wärtsilä hosted the Bangladesh Energy Transition Forum in Dhaka yesterday (15 October), where policymakers and industry representatives discussed how flexible power generation, sustainable fuels and grid-supporting technologies can advance the country's energy transition.
Approximately 70 senior representatives from government, utilities, independent power producers, industry and think tanks attended the event at Pan Pacific Sonargaon, according to the press release.
Discussions focused on better using existing generation capacity and available fuel resources while expanding renewable energy and strengthening the power system's long-term resilience.
The release noted that Bangladesh has close to 30 gigawatts (GW) of grid-connected capacity, compared with an all-time peak generation of more than 17 GW recorded in May 2026.
The country's electricity supply comes from natural gas, coal, oil, imports and a growing share of renewables. This diversity provides operational options and reduces reliance on individual sources, although efficient capacity utilisation, fuel security and financial sustainability remain challenges.
Göran Richardsson, Wärtsilä Energy's energy business director for South Asia, opened the forum with an overview of the company's global expertise and longstanding presence in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh has a strong foundation for the next phase of its energy transition, with substantial generating capacity and a diversified fuel mix," he said.
"This creates an opportunity to accelerate renewable energy deployment while using flexible power plants to maintain system reliability. By operating these assets according to power system needs, Bangladesh can make more efficient use of its available fuel resources and support reliable, affordable electricity," he said.
Patrik Farkas, general manager of growth and development for the Middle East and Asia at Wärtsilä Energy, outlined global energy transition trends and the growing need for flexible, dispatchable generation capacity,
He shared operational experience from balancing power plants in systems with high shares of renewable energy.
One example was the 211-megawatt Barker Inlet Power Station in South Australia, where variable renewables supplied 78% of the state's electricity during FY2024–25.
Farkas also discussed how flexible engine power plants could support growing electricity demand from data centres in markets where grid connections are constrained or involve lengthy waiting periods.
He said on-site engine power plants could provide reliable electricity while supporting data centres' longer-term transition towards sustainable fuels.
Wärtsilä said it had booked seven data centre-related orders in the United States, with a combined capacity exceeding three GW.
Ulrik Friis, senior product manager for sustainable fuels and performance upgrades at Wärtsilä Energy Services, presented pathways for converting existing liquid-fuel power plants to liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas.
He also discussed the future role of sustainable fuels, including hydrogen.
A central theme was how Bangladesh could maximise the value of its existing generation assets while preparing for future electricity demand.
Speakers identified three priorities: accelerate variable renewable energy deployment to meet growing demand and reduce exposure to fuel costs; operate flexible power plants according to system needs so available fuel delivers the greatest value; and prepare those plants to use low-carbon and, eventually, carbon-free fuels.
Mostafa Zahed Hossain, managing director of Wärtsilä Bangladesh Ltd, said, "Wärtsilä has supported Bangladesh's power sector for about three decades. We have stood alongside our customers and stakeholders through challenging times and as the sector has evolved, and the engine power plants we have delivered continue to support the grid every day."
"Over the years, we have also built strong local competence, and our Bangladesh team now supports Wärtsilä's network and power plants around the world. As the country adds more renewables, we are ready to help our customers balance variable renewable output, improve fuel efficiency and prepare their plants for sustainable fuels," he added.