Public interest is rising
Bangladesh Eyes 4,000 MW Solar Power Before Summer
- Bangladesh expects 3,000–4,000 MW of solar power before next summer
- A 6 kW solar system has been installed at the Jashore BNP office
- The government plans to convert irrigation pumps to solar power to cut farming costs
Bangladesh could generate 3,000 to 4,000 megawatts of solar power before next summer, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit has said. Growing public interest in solar installations is expected to expand generation, create small businesses and open up new employment opportunities.
The state minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after inaugurating a solar power installation at the Jashore District BNP office on Wednesday (October 21).
He said this was the first solar panel installation at a political party office in Bangladesh. Following the prime minister’s policy, a 6-kilowatt solar system has been installed at the office. The installation was fully funded from its own resources.
Amit said the office could supply surplus electricity to the national grid after meeting its own power needs. He estimated that the installation cost could be recovered within three and a half to four years.
He expressed hope that the initiative would encourage other political parties to install solar panels at their respective offices.
The state minister said the government was providing policy support to the solar power sector in response to growing public interest. The initiative is helping small entrepreneurs emerge and creating new employment opportunities.
He also outlined plans to expand solar energy use in agriculture. Irrigation pumps will be converted to solar power in phases, he said. The move is expected to reduce pressure on diesel and conventional electricity while lowering farmers’ production costs.
//DBTech/KBLR/SME/MVNO//
