Three Directives Issued to Tackle Energy Crisis and Boost Renewable Energy Access
Prime Minister Directs Phased Installation of Solar Panels on Key Government Buildings
- Solar panels to be installed at Bangabhaban, PMO, Parliament, and Secretariat
- Directives issued for importing solar inverter raw materials and developing affordable models
- PRAN-RFL and Walton present plans for rooftop solar integration with the national grid
3 August, Monday: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed authorities to phase in solar panel installations across key government buildings nationwide. He issued the instruction during a high-level meeting on solar energy held on Monday (August 3) at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Addressing the energy crisis and promoting renewable energy usage, the Prime Minister outlined three core directives:
- Phased installation of solar panels across important government infrastructure;
- Providing government policy and fiscal support for importing raw materials needed to manufacture solar inverters locally; and
- Formulating an effective economic model to make solar power affordable, accessible, and profitable for the general public.
The meeting resolved that the initial phase will cover Bangabhaban, the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, the PM's Office and Ministry of Finance buildings in the Secretariat, and the Planning Commission campus. The Prime Minister noted, "When the use of solar power begins in public offices, it will naturally inspire general citizens to adopt green technology."
During the meeting, PRAN-RFL Group and Walton Group delivered separate technical presentations highlighting rooftop solar installations and net-metering integration into the national power grid. Their presentations emphasized that widespread adoption would conserve energy resources and generate new employment opportunities while efficiently powering heavy machinery like air conditioners, elevators, and fans.
The session stressed highlighting the economic benefits of solar energy to consumers. Attending the meeting were Minister of Finance and Planning Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, PM's Finance and Planning Advisor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, Acting NBR Chairman Ahsan Habib, PRAN-RFL Group Chairman Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Renewable Energy AGM Towhidul Ahad, Walton Group Managing Director S M Mahbubul Alam, and senior officials from various ministries.
//DBTech/JNO/SME//
