Combining Wind Power, Aquaculture and Marine Tourism: A novel multi-use blue economy concept for Bangladesh

Abstract

Bangladesh is blessed with 166,000 sq. km of ocean territory which can be best utilized for sustainable development  by innovative implementation of blue economy concept. The country is yet to assess various blue growth concepts within the local EEZ. One such worldwide increasingly popular concept is multi-use blue economy. Literature study shows that any study on viability of multi-use in the local EEZ is almost nonexistent. This paper endeavors to provide a first insight into the concept through a proposed multi-use project for the country. The synergy of three different potential sectors : wind energy, aquaculture and marine tourism have been considered for the project. A concept design is developed keeping in mind physical condition and ecological richness suitable for such multi-use combination. Basic economic analysis is also provided for the proposed project with a sensitivity analysis. The result imply that  this project can be an economically viable initiation for multi-use blue economy for Bangladesh and can be a model for promoting the development of new blue economy sectors which often require substantial amount of subsidy especially offshore wind farms. Further aspect of the project where research is required is also highlighted.