Staff Reporter: The National Agrivoltaics Workshop: Exploring Local Action Models for Inclusive Growth in Bangladesh was recently held in Dhaka. The workshop was organised by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), with the support of HSBC Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DoE), TERRA Co., Ltd. (Japan), and the Bright Green Energy Foundation (BGEF). The event was further supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI).

Bangladesh is exploring the potential of agrivoltaics as an innovative solution to advance renewable energy while strengthening food security and climate resilience. By enabling the dual use of land for agriculture and solar power generation, agrivoltaics offers a promising pathway to address some of the country's most pressing development challenges, including rising energy demand, limited land availability, and the growing impacts of climate change.

A pilot project in Manikganj provides a practical demonstration of how agrivoltaics can successfully integrate agriculture with renewable energy generation. A shade-tolerant rice variety is being cultivated beneath elevated solar panels designed to allow agricultural machinery, including harvesters, to operate freely while minimising crop and land loss. Adequate spacing between the panels ensures sufficient sunlight reaches the crops to support healthy growth. Two adjacent plots—one equipped with elevated solar panels and the other under conventional cultivation—are being monitored to evaluate the effects of the system on crop growth and productivity.

The pilot has also tested the cultivation of red spinach, rice, and coriander, with coriander demonstrating the most promising performance. The electricity generated by the solar panels powers irrigation for the same field, showcasing a circular farming approach that integrates clean energy generation with agricultural production. Although installation costs are approximately 30% higher than those of conventional solar systems, the modular design allows the system to be relocated, and future plans include connecting it to the national grid to supply surplus electricity.

The workshop was attended by Mr. Abdul Awal Mintu, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as the Chief Guest. Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, chaired the event. Distinguished remarks were delivered by Mr. Naoki Takahashi, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh; Ms. Junko Takahashi, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office; Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President of the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES); and Md. Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh.

In his inaugural address, Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo reaffirmed the Government's commitment to integrated climate and development solutions, "Our vision is to build a Bangladesh where climate action, food security, and economic development complement one another. Agrivoltaics embodies this vision by enabling us to generate clean energy, strengthen farmers' resilience, protect valuable agricultural land, and accelerate our transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future through strong partnerships and innovation."

As Guest of Honour, Mr. Naoki Takahashi reaffirmed Japan's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in sustainable energy and supporting Bangladesh's transition towards a low carbon future.

Ms. Junko Takahashi highlighted agrivoltaics as an innovative solution and noted that enhanced Japan–Bangladesh cooperation can accelerate its adoption to promote food security, clean energy, sustainable rural livelihoods, and poverty alleviation.

Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi, President of IGES, "Bangladesh has the potential to become a regional leader in agrivoltaics by demonstrating how integrated local solutions can simultaneously advance climate action, food security, clean energy, and inclusive economic growth."

Mr. Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan, President of the Japan Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI), emphasised the importance of investment and policy support, "Bangladesh has tremendous potential to become a regional leader in agrivoltaics through stronger collaboration with Japan. JBCCI is committed to serving as a bridge between the two countries by connecting investors, businesses, researchers, and farmers. With clear and predictable policies, innovative business models, and strong farmer participation, agrivoltaics can attract private investment, strengthen food and energy security, and improve rural livelihoods."

Md. Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh, said:

"As a leading international bank, HSBC is proud to support the transfer of innovative agrivoltaic technology from Japan to Bangladesh, demonstrating the dual use of land for agriculture and renewable energy production through the pilot project in Manikganj. Through our philanthropic partnership with IGES, we remain committed to advancing innovative solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future."

In her closing remarks, Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, "We should unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics as a solution for both food security and clean energy generation. However, its success depends on placing farming communities at the heart of this transition and ensuring they are active partners in its development at the local level."

The workshop concluded with a knowledge and insights from the best practices conducted in Japan, with views from the public sector, private sector, policy recommendations for Bangladesh. Discussions highlighted the importance of developing inclusive and financially viable agrivoltaic business models that deliver shared benefits to farming communities, create rural employment opportunities, and contribute to local economic development while advancing Bangladesh’s renewable energy and food security goals.