PERCEPTION, PREFERENCE AND CONSUMER WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN RURAL BANGLADESH: A STUDY ON BIOFUEL CONSUMPTION

 

[A thesis submitted for the fulfillment of Master of Science (MS) in Agricultural Economics (Agribusiness and Marketing) Degree]

With the increase in population, the demand for energy in Bangladesh is also escalating. But, the continuing deterioration of natural energy resources could stress the ability to meet the needs of the growing population and undermine economic activities. In order to ensure energy security, the use of renewable energy is getting top policy priority. Different econometric analytical methods were employed in this study to explore the perception, preference, and consumer willingness to pay for biofuel consumption in rural Bangladesh. Also, a business framework for Bio-LNG was proposed for a successful business venture in Bangladesh. Although Bio-LNG could be a useful tool for minimizing carbon emission and controlling global warming, in Bangladesh, penetrating in fossil fuel-filled market is a challenging task. Dissemination of the knowledge about the importance of Bio-LNG use, controlling its price, ensuring stakeholder’s active participation is mandatory for accepting Bio-LNG as an ally to fossil fuels. Only then, the sustainability of energy use would be possible.