The United States Agency for International Development (USAID has launched a USD 17 million clean energy project called Bangladesh Advancing Development Growth through Energy (BADGE), aimed at expanding Bangladesh's access to affordable clean energy and support clean energy entrepreneurship.

The USAID Mission Director Derrick S Brown, joined by Mohammad Alauddin, chairman of Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), launched the five-year project, said US Embassy in a statement.

US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry highlighted the five-year project during his visit to Dhaka with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in April, The Daily Star reported.

The project is aimed at fostering transparent and efficient energy markets and advancing innovation. It will create an enabling environment for the development of advanced energy technologies, high-performing energy institutions, increased regional energy trade, and transparent and best-valued energy procurement in Bangladesh.

(SAM)