ADB’s clean technology solution for greenhouse gas

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) says Bangladesh can cut greenhouse gas emission by about 22 percent in the next seven years by introducing cheaper ‘clean technologies’ like replacing conventional electric lamps with ‘efficient compact fluorescent’ ones.

In its study, titled The Economics of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in South Asia, the global lending agency finds that introducing a variety of clean technologies would cost less than $10 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Conducted in five South Asian countries –Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka –the study projects that total energy-related greenhouse gas emissions would be 3.2 times higher in 2030 than in 2005 ‘if the countries make no effort to curb emissions.’

With 5.8 percent increase per year, the total greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to reach 168.3 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents by 2030 from 41.3 million tons in 2005.

Of them the power sector would contribute about 50 percent, the study finds.

ADB says replacement of all conventional lamps in the residential sector with efficient compact fluorescent lamps alone could reduce about 4.7 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2020.

“In Bangladesh, the sea level is predicted to rise 45 centimetres by 2050, affecting 10 to 15 percent of the land area and an estimated 35 million people,” Principal Climate Change Specialist with ADB’s South Asia Department Mahfuz Ahmed was quoted as saying in a media release.

He said it was possible to slash greenhouse gas emissions through ‘big and small changes’ that would have ‘little or no long-term cost’ to the end users.

“Technology, policy and financing will be critical for developing clean energy options,” he said.

The study suggested phasing out direct and indirect fuel subsidies and advised the ministries and countries to work ‘more closely together to better plan and develop cross-border energy markets and promote green development.’

The study also says that developing ‘the huge untapped’ clean energy resources in South Asia for intra-regional trade will help meet the region’s energy demand and provide ‘multiple benefits’ to the countries.