Rooftop Solar: A Step Towards Sustainable Energy Infrastructure in Bangladesh
Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Advisor to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, emphasized the significance of rooftop solar technology in the industrial sector as a critical move towards enhancing the nation’s energy capabilities and building a sustainable, infrastructure-driven Bangladesh. "This initiative will not only reduce dependency on grid electricity but will also help realize our commitment to renewable energy," he stated.
He made these remarks on Saturday (February 22) during a workshop organized by Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) focused on the installation of rooftop solar systems.
Speakers at the event highlighted that electricity generated from rooftop solar systems is significantly more cost-effective compared to grid tariffs. They stressed that financing such projects is not only economically beneficial but also vital for achieving the country's renewable energy goals. The Government of Bangladesh is actively working to generate 4,200 megawatts of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
Among the notable attendees were Michael Samsser, Director of KfW’s Dhaka office; Md. Anwar Hossain, Administrator of BGMEA; and Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) and Chairman of IDCOL.
During the event, Mr. Alamgir Morshed, Executive Director and CEO of IDCOL, noted, "Under its renewable energy projects, IDCOL not only provides affordable financing to various industries but also offers technical support, ensures the procurement of high-quality equipment, and aids in capacity building, all of which are essential for the sector’s development." He further stated that Bangladesh has the potential to generate over 5,000 megawatts of electricity from rooftop solar sources. IDCOL has set a target to finance 300 megawatt-peak rooftop solar projects by 2026.
