Rooftop Solar Law Set for Next Parliament Session

Bangladesh plans to pass a law on rooftop solar power generation in the next session of parliament as the government seeks to expand renewable energy use and strengthen the country’s energy security. The initiatives also include increasing solar adoption, setting up additional floating LNG terminals and providing subsidies where necessary to maintain electricity and fuel supplies. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud disclosed the plans.

He made the remarks at a roundtable organised by the New Age newspaper in the capital on Saturday, October 31.

The minister said the energy and electricity challenges arising from the global situation would not be resolved overnight. However, the government was making continuous efforts to keep energy and power supplies at manageable levels, while maintaining its commitment to public welfare.

He said the government had decided to provide subsidies where necessary to address the energy crisis caused by the global disruption linked to the war in the Middle East. The move was intended to reduce the burden of fuel shortages on the public. Ensuring uninterrupted electricity and gas supplies for citizens remained one of the government’s key responsibilities, he added.

Rooftop solar power legislation

Highlighting the government’s priority for solar power, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said a law on rooftop solar power generation would be passed in the next parliamentary session.

He also said a “Domestic Rooftop Programme” had been launched in Bhaluka to encourage households across the country to adopt solar power.

Responding to a question about solar panel quality, the minister said the government was alert, aware and active in ensuring the quality of solar products available in the domestic market. He added that special monitoring would be maintained to protect public interests.

The minister further said local government bodies, the health department and district administrations had already been instructed to use solar power systems. A total of 8,600 service providers had been listed to install solar power systems at the local level. He added that the expansion of solar power was also creating employment opportunities in the country.

Plans to expand LNG supply capacity

The minister said the government had taken initiatives to establish additional FSRUs (Floating Storage and Regasification Units), or floating LNG terminals, based on demand to maintain normal energy supplies. In his view, these facilities would help address supply shortages.

He said the government remained committed to standing beside the people and working to maintain the country’s overall energy security.

//DBTech/BTNR/SMP/MIST//