Bangladesh's energy crisis: A summary of challenges and smart grid-based solutions

Smart grid technologies are an important topic of research and discussion in academia and electrical industries globally. When properly applied, these technologies can enhance the quality, reliability, and availability of electric power while maximizing safety and sustainability. This will both improve economic productivity for industry and quality of life for residents of Bangladesh. Application of smart grid technologies to establish microgrids, based on renewable energy sources as solar and wind power, into the main grid is imperative to ensure the reliability and quality of the electric energy supply to the growing light industries; the driving force of the economic growth for Bangladesh. This paper presents the concurrent condition of energy sector of Bangladesh and discusses the purpose and methods for adopting key smart grid technologies to reach the target put forth by the government of the country in terms of satisfying the demand forecasted in the country's strategic long term plan.