This policy brief examines the potential of agrivoltaics in Bangladesh by estimating the upstream impacts on employment, emissions, land, and wage levels using an input-output model applied to seven energy sources: coal, gas, oil, hydropower, nuclear, solar, and agrivoltaics. Drawing on this comparative framework, the study finds that agrivoltaics positively influence the creation of low-skilled and medium-skilled jobs, and are expected to yield the smallest gender employment gap relative to other energy sources. The research further shows that agrivoltaics require significantly less land for energy generation than fossil fuels, offering a more sustainable and land-efficient approach to power production. Building on these findings, the brief proposes agrivoltaics as a viable alternative to fossil fuels, recommending the establishment of agrivoltaic systems on less fertile and single-cropped land as a pathway to help Bangladesh achieve its 40% renewable energy target by 2041. The methodology encapsulates key considerations within the food, energy, and environment nexus, providing policymakers with a framework that clearly presents the trade-offs and implications of different energy choices. By linking employment quality, gender equity, land efficiency, and emissions outcomes within a single analytical model, the brief offers actionable, evidence-based guidance for integrating agrivoltaics into Bangladesh’s renewable energy strategy.
Authors: Kamal, Rohini and Azam, Mohammad Tofail Bin
Type: Policy Brief
Publisher: International Growth Centre
Year: 2024
