Modelling the drivers of solar energy development in an emerging economy: Implications for sustainable development goals

Abstract

Energy demand in Bangladesh is consistently rising due to the country's rapid population growth and economic expansion. As a result, solar energy holds substantial potential in the Bangladeshi energy portfolio. This study aims to identify and evaluate the key drivers behind the sustainable development of solar energy in Bangladesh, an emerging economy in South Asia. We do this by adopting an integrated methodology. First, through a literature review and expert feedback, we identify 12 drivers of solar energy development. We then employ the best-worst method (BWM) to rank the drivers based on their significance and use the ISM-MICMAC to analyze the interrelationships among them. The findings indicate that favourable geographical location in terms of solar irradiation, government policy toward sustainable renewable energy, the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and large bodies of water constitute the most significant drivers behind the sustainable development of solar energy in Bangladesh. This research is expected to contribute to the literature on sustainable solar energy development in a systematic way that can benefit both decision-makers and end-users.