Civil society has recommended transparent policies, tax exemptions, and the introduction of a one-stop service to achieve the government’s target of generating 10,000 megawatts of solar power by 2030.
At a press briefing held on Monday (May 4) at the National Press Club in the capital, energy experts, academics, and environmentalists made the recommendations under the initiative of ActionAid Bangladesh, BSREA, and JetNet Bangladesh.
They stated that reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and increasing the use of solar energy is the most effective way to address the country’s energy crisis. Experts also suggested that the target can be achieved through agro-voltaics while protecting agricultural land, utilizing unused rooftops of industries and institutions, and expanding floating solar projects.
Energy analysts believe that achieving this goal will be difficult without grid modernization, battery storage installation, and investment-friendly policies. They also called for reducing high import duties on solar components and removing bureaucratic complexities through a “one-stop service” for faster implementation.
According to experts, reducing fossil fuel subsidies and increasing investment in renewable energy can ensure national energy security. They also emphasized a just energy transition by involving marginalized communities and small entrepreneurs.
They further stated that with proper policy formulation and coordinated planning, the 2030 solar power target is achievable and will have a positive impact on both the economy and the environment.
The seminar was moderated by Abul Kalam Azad, Manager of the Just Energy Transition Team of ActionAid Bangladesh and Member Secretary of JetNet BD. Among others present were Khandaker Azizul Haque Moni, Executive Director of Ulashi Srijani Sangha (USS), along with energy experts, academics, environmentalists, and media professionals.
Energy expert Dr. Eijaz Hossain said, "If we can add 10,000 megawatts of solar power to the grid, it will reduce the burden of importing billions of dollars’ worth of LNG or coal." According to him, solar power is no longer an alternative but will become the main driving force of the country’s energy sector. He particularly emphasized Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), noting that these allow excess daytime electricity to be used at night and help stabilize the grid.
Rejecting the common debate over land scarcity for solar plants, Dipal Chandra Barua, Founder and Chairman of Bright Green Energy Foundation (BGEF), said, “We can generate electricity on agricultural land.” He highlighted the agro-voltaics model, where shade-tolerant crops are cultivated beneath solar panels while electricity is generated above. He also identified riverine char lands and floating solar power projects as key sources to achieve the target.
Presenting the keynote, IEEFA Lead Energy Analyst Shafiqul Alam demonstrated with data that thousands of megawatts of electricity can be generated by utilizing rooftop spaces of garment and large industrial factories. He said, “If net metering is further encouraged, industrial owners themselves will emerge as major investors. This will reduce pressure on the government and also lower production costs.”
Climate finance expert and Chief Executive Officer of Change Initiative, M. Zakir Hossain Khan, said, “Transparency in the energy sector must be ensured. If a portion of fossil fuel subsidies is redirected to the solar sector, the 10,000 MW target can be achieved without any foreign loans.” He also called for direct use of climate funds in renewable energy. He added that rooftop and irrigation-based solar expansion is urgently needed as a short-term solution to meet immediate electricity demand, and visible progress is possible within 3–6 months if there is administrative will. He further warned that neglecting domestic renewable resources in favor of dependency-based mega projects poses a risk to national energy security.
Mustafa Al Mahmud, President of the tax and one-stop service business organization BSREA (Bangladesh Solar Renewable Energy Association), said high import duties on solar panels and inverters are a major barrier to the sector. “We want to invest, but projects get stuck due to having to deal with 10 different offices. A fast-track and one-stop service for this sector is now a demand of the time,” he said.
The concept paper titled “Citizen Society Expectations and Roadmap” was presented by JetNet BD member Lipi Rahman. She said the 10,000 MW target should not benefit only large industrial groups. She called for a “just transition” by including marginalized women, farmers, and small entrepreneurs in the process.
Referring to political commitment in addressing the energy crisis, General Secretary of the National Press Club Aiyub Bhuiyan said, “We must abandon the obsession with imported energy and focus on our own renewable resources. By integrating smart grids and modern technology, we can establish solar power as the country’s primary energy source.”
DBTech/JEH/MUM/OR
