Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Energy security is a critical issue for the overall development of a small but densely populated country like Bangladesh. On the other hand, issues such as climate change and global warming are placing greater emphasis on producing and using clean energy. Wind energy can be a good alternative for Bangladesh in terms of low land use, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and clean energy production. This thesis explores the challenges and opportunities of adopting wind energy in Bangladesh, where fossil fuel reserves are depleting, land is scarce, and the impact of global warming is increasing, including the urgent need for sustainable energy. Despite the considerable potential of wind energy, according to a joint study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other existing studies, Bangladesh is still in its infancy in terms of large-scale wind energy deployment. The study investigates the technical, economic, institutional, and socio-cultural barriers to wind energy development based on data collected from semi-structured interviews with multiple stakeholders through a qualitative approach, analysing opinions and policy documents.

I also found that very little research has been conducted on wind energy adoption in Bangladesh from a social science perspective. Therefore, the study draws on two social science concepts; sociotechnical imaginary (STI) and materiality, to illustrate the barriers and potentials of wind energy adoption in Bangladesh. I use the sociotechnical imaginary (STI) framework to analyse how visions of the energy future are constructed, negotiated, and contested among donors, policymakers, experts, and the public. The findings reveal a disconnect between technocratic imaginers, which focus on data-driven planning and global sustainability goals, and weak social imaginers who reflect public scepticism and limited awareness. The concept of materiality is used to show how material constraints of wind power, such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient wind resource data, and institutional inefficiencies, further hinder progress.

Despite these challenges, observations from interviews and secondary data suggest that emerging government and international policy interest, donor support, and successful pilot projects indicate a new momentum for wind energy in Bangladesh. Finally, this thesis concludes by arguing that a pluralistic and inclusive approach that integrates local knowledge, public engagement, and institutional reform is essential to realize the full potential of wind energy in Bangladesh and ensure a just energy transition.