Status, pathways and prospects of renewable energy generation from waste streams in Bangladesh: A case study in the major cities

Bangladesh has a population density of about 1350 people per square kilometre and ranks eighth among the most populous countries, with a population of 175.7–176.4 million. Despite being one of the fastest-developing countries, Bangladesh struggles to meet energy demand due to its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels, leading to higher costs during the summer. In contrast, both developed and developing countries in the present day are shifting towards renewable energy sources. This study aimed to assess the potential energy generation from waste streams in major cities of Bangladesh. Currently, the major cities in Bangladesh generate over 16,672 tons of waste daily, of which 87.7% consists of Municipal Solid Waste. The Dhaka City Corporation generates more than 44% of the country's total waste. The results showed that 39 MW and 83 MW of electrical power could be generated, respectively, using incineration and anaerobic digestion. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE) assessment displays that the cost of electricity generated from incineration and anaerobic power plants is 0.0851 USD/kWh (10.30 Tk/kWh) and 0.02874 USD/kWh (3.45 Tk/kWh), respectively, which still have a substantial difference compared to existing fossil fuel-based generated and imported power plants. In 2026, Bangladesh's total electricity consumption is expected to reach approximately 20,000 MW. A portion of this enormous demand may be met by waste-to-energy-based power plants that utilize waste as their primary fuel. • Major cities in Bangladesh generate approximately 16,672 tons of waste per day. • Municipal solid waste constitutes 87.7% of the total waste. • The Dhaka City Corporation generates approximately 44% of the country's total waste. • Using incineration and anaerobic digestion methods, respectively, 39 MW and 83 MW of electrical power could be generated. • The major cities in Bangladesh might generate over 212,925 tons of waste per day in 2050.