Landfalling tropical cyclones reduce electricity supply across Bangladesh by an average of 20%, with coastal regions seeing reductions of up to 38% – and over 90% in extreme cases – according to new research from scientists at NCAS, the University of Reading, and Newcastle University.
The study, which the researchers say is one of the most detailed assessments to date of how extreme weather affects national power systems, analyzed daily electricity data from nine power-planning zones between 2015 and 2025, matched against meteorological records including cyclone tracks, wind speeds, rainfall and storm surge data. The team examined 14 named cyclones and 13 weaker storm systems, comparing electricity supply before, during and after each event.
Coastal supply disruptions were found to be consistent with wind damage, substation flooding and intense rainfall. Weaker storm systems were also found to reduce electricity availability, by around 8% on average, with impacts extending into inland areas.
The research also found that importing electricity from neighboring regions such as India offers only limited protection during major events, since cyclones can simultaneously affect both Bangladesh and adjacent areas such as West Bengal, causing cross-border supply to fail at the same time.
Dr Kieran Hunt, NCAS research scientist and associate professor in tropical meteorology and AI at the University of Reading, said, “By combining real electricity data with detailed storm information, our study shows that tropical cyclones are associated with major shortfalls in electricity delivered to users across Bangladesh. It also shows that current backup strategies, such as importing electricity, may not work in the most extreme events, which highlights the need for more resilient energy systems in the future.
“Our work underscores the need to embed climate risk into energy planning – from diversifying generation sources and improving grid flexibility to strengthening infrastructure and regional cooperation. Building resilient energy systems will be key to securing reliable, low-carbon power in a future shaped by more extreme weather.”
The researchers highlight that without careful infrastructure design, both fossil fuel systems and renewable generation – including wind and solar – remain vulnerable to storm disruption. With climate change expected to intensify cyclone risks, the study points to reinforcing transmission lines and protecting substations as critical near-term priorities for Bangladesh.
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