In pursuit of bridging the policy gap and advocating for Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA) policies to achieve its climate target, Grameenphone hosted a panel discussion titled “Greening the Grid” at its corporate office in the capital Dhaka.
The panel discussion aims to promote policy reforms concerning Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in Bangladesh, essential for supporting Grameenphone’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2030, from the baseline year 2019, read a press release issued on Monday.
MP, Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh Nahim Razzaq, former Minister of Environment and International Development of Norway Erik Solheim, HE Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen, Chief of Party, Tetra Tech- USAID-BADGE Project ED Elrahal, Director General, Power Cell Bangladesh Engr Mohammad Hossain, and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Grameenphone Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen addressed the programme as panellists. They highlighted the importance of the CPPA policy.
Grameenphone’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Hans Martin Hoegh Henrichsen said they are committed to reducing carbon emissions from its operations. He emphasized the essential role of Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) in achieving this objective.
He also addressed the challenges faced by private sector entities in implementing this model, while also emphasizing the advantages of supportive policies, such as attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and assisting in meeting the government’s renewable energy targets.
He also highlighted how ESG is vital for achieving the Paris Agreement’s objectives by promoting sustainability and cutting down carbon emissions.
Former Minister of Environment and International Development, Norway Erik Solheim shared insights from Norway’s grid greening experience and explored international best practices for Bangladesh to glean from in its transition towards renewable energy sources.
Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen emphasized the significance of international partnerships in bolstering Bangladesh’s efforts to green its grid, while also discussing Norway’s readiness to aid in this transition.
Chief of Party at Tetra Tech ED Elrahal underscored the involvement of development partners such as USAID and Tetra Tech in offering capacity building and technical assistance to Bangladesh for the implementation of CPPAs.
He provided examples of successful initiatives and outlined strategies for overcoming barriers to adoption.
Director General of Power Cell Bangladesh Engr Mohammad Hossain highlighted the technical aspects of integrating renewable energy sources into Bangladesh’s national grid, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities involved in this process and its connection to the adoption of CPPAs.
Convenor of Climate Parliament Bangladesh Nahim Razzaq MP wrapped up the discussion by stressing the existing legislative framework in Bangladesh concerning CPPAs and underscoring the essential policy changes needed to facilitate their adoption. He discussed the involvement of parliamentary committees in propelling policy reform in this domain.
The panel discussion was moderated by Head of Social Impact, Grameenphone Farhana Islam.
