Accelerating Adoption of Renewable Energy in the Host Community of Cox’s Bazar

Solution description

Accelerating Adoption of Renewable Energy in the Host Community of Cox’s Bazar

 This project aims to prototype and scale up renewable energy solutions in Cox’s Bazar by integrating them into disaster risk reduction (DRR) and emergency preparedness frameworks. Cox’s Bazar, one of the poorest districts in Bangladesh and host to 1 million Rohingya refugees, is highly prone to natural disasters, such as cyclones, floods, and landslides. The project will equip local disaster management committees (DMCs) with the technical knowledge to utilize renewable energy solutions to mitigate disaster risks, improve response efficiency, and build long-term resilience. By leveraging solar-powered emergency shelters, hydropower solutions, and wind energy for disaster response, this initiative will enhance the local communities’ vulnerability to climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and having a more sustainable disaster risk reduction and response capacity, particularly for local smallholder farmers.

 

Objectives and expected results

 

The primary objectives are to build local capacity for renewable energy integration, facilitate South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) knowledge exchange, and strengthen disaster response mechanisms using sustainable energy solutions. The expected results include:

• Increased technical capacity among local DMCs on renewable energy applications for DRR and emergency response.
• Support the development and implementation of renewable energy-powered solutions in disaster-prone areas.
• Development of case studies and best practices to facilitate knowledge sharing across similar contexts in the Global South.
• Mobilization of investment and funding to integrate renewable energy into community resilience plans. 

This project aligns with SSTC principles by fostering cross-border knowledge exchange on renewable energy solutions for disaster risk reduction. Best practices from other developing countries with proven renewable energy applications will be adapted and shared with Bangladeshi authorities. Furthermore, collaboration with UNOSSC enables the brokerage of co-funding, institutional support, and policy frameworks to scale up the initiative regionally.

The project will lead to improved resilience in local communities, reduced dependency on unsustainable energy sources, and enhanced disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The impact will be measured through:

1. Number of trained DMC members on renewable energy.
2. Number of disaster reduction action plans with renewable energy components included.
3. Number of case studies and best practices developed and shared.

Innovation alignment

This project presents a unique approach by integrating renewable energy solutions directly into disaster risk reduction (DRR) and emergency preparedness frameworks in a highly vulnerable region. By linking renewable energy with disaster management plans through capacity-building and knowledge exchange through South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), we ensure that sustainable energy plays a role in crisis preparedness and response.

Key unique features of this initiative include:

• While many renewable energy initiatives focus on rural electrification, this project explicitly connects renewable energy adoption with disaster management to enhance preparedness and response.
• Unlike commercial renewable energy programs, this project equips disaster management committees (DMCs) and local authorities with the expertise to apply renewable solutions in emergency scenarios.
• The project facilitates structured peer learning with other developing countries that have successfully implemented renewable energy in disaster settings, ensuring that solutions are adaptable, cost-effective, and sustainable.
• The initiative goes beyond technical capacity-building by embedding renewable energy into DRR contingency plans and connecting local authorities with investment and policy advisory support to enable long-term adoption.

By integrating renewable energy into local disaster risk reduction strategies, this initiative contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), ensuring that the most vulnerable communities benefit from sustainable and climate-resilient solutions. 

UNOSSC can facilitate the collection of successful renewable energy applications for DRR from other developing countries, and support in conducting energy assessments and feasibility analyses to identify the most effective renewable energy solutions for different emergency scenarios. To achieve long-term sustainability and scalability, the project requires brokerage support in investment Mobilization, where UNOSSC and other partners can facilitate co-funding opportunities, linking WFP and local authorities with potential investors, development banks, and climate adaptation funds.

Solution impact

Government officials and elected representatives of DMCs will be supported to recognize the multifaceted benefits of renewable energy, including cost savings, reduced carbon emissions, and enhanced community resilience. By appreciating these advantages, they will be better positioned to advocate for and implement renewable energy projects that are tailored to the specific needs and conditions of their communities.

In addition, these officials and representatives will be equipped to integrate renewable energy solutions into broader disaster management frameworks, such as Risk Reduction Action Plans (RRAP) and contingency planning. Through Community Risk Assessments (CRA) conducted at the grassroots level, they can ensure that renewable energy strategies are responsive to the unique demands and vulnerabilities of the communities they serve. This approach will lead to more effective, inclusive, and sustainable disaster management plans that not only address immediate risks but also contribute to long-term community development and resilience.

Replicability / scalability

The proposed solution demonstrates a high degree of replicability and scalability due to its structured approach to integrating renewable energy into disaster management. The use of educational workshops, expert partnerships, and advisory support ensures that knowledge and best practices can be transferred to other regions facing similar climate challenges. The initiative’s reliance on proven renewable technologies, institutional capacity-building, and financial co-funding mechanisms further enhances its adaptability. The development of toolkits, guidelines, and peer-learning platforms will facilitate easy adoption in other vulnerable communities.

Cooperation potential

This solution promotes South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) by facilitating structured cross-border knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and investment partnerships among developing countries. The project aligns with regional SSTC needs by leveraging expertise from countries that have successfully integrated renewable energy into disaster risk reduction (DRR) frameworks, allowing for contextual adaptation in Cox’s Bazar.

Through peer learning this initiative enables disaster management committees (DMCs) and local authorities in Cox’s Bazar to adopt best practices from other Global South countries that have pioneered solar, wind, and hydropower solutions for emergency preparedness and response. By connecting them with private sector investors, the project also contributes to sustainable financing and long-term integration of renewable energy in DRR strategies.

Territory coverage

The proposed solution focuses on three sub-districts – Teknaf, Ukhiya and Ramu – and its unions and upazilas within the Cox’s Bazar district. By engaging DMCs, the initiative ensures that renewable energy solutions and disaster management strategies are uniformly adopted across the three sub-districts.

Collaborators

This project will be implemented by a small but targeted team of experts, ensuring both technical and strategic support for renewable energy adoption in disaster management. The key collaborators include:

1. WFP Bangladesh Resilience Team
   • Role: Overall project coordination, integration of renewable energy into disaster risk reduction strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
   • Strength: Extensive experience in resilience-building and disaster preparedness in Cox’s Bazar, ensuring alignment with ongoing programs and local needs.
2. Renewable Energy Expert (To Be Hired)
   • Role: Lead technical training sessions, provide guidance on renewable energy solutions, and support implementation in collaboration with local authorities.
   • Strength: Expertise in solar, wind, and hydropower energy applications for disaster response and community resilience.

 

1. UNOSSC Expert (Resource Mobilization and Knowledge-Sharing)
   • Role: Provide advisory support, facilitate South-South cooperation, and broker co-funding and investment opportunities.