Dhaka:The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) plans to convert its deep tube wells to solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Ministry of Agriculture held the first meeting of the committee responsible for this conversion. Presided over by BMDA Chairman Hasan Zafir Tuhin, the meeting took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and included participants such as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Saimun Parvez, and BMDA's Executive Director, Jahangir Alam Khan.
The discussions at the meeting focused on transitioning the deep tube wells used in the Barind region's irrigation system to solar power. Topics included solar power generation, its application in irrigation, the net metering system, and the potential for supplying surplus electricity to the national grid.
The committee highlighted that the introduction of a net metering system for solar-powered deep tube wells could fulfill irrigation needs during the day and contribute excess electricity to the national grid. This approach would reduce BMDA's electricity costs while adding renewable energy to the national grid.
Committee convener Hasan Zafir Tuhin emphasized that this conversion would lower irrigation operating costs and allow surplus electricity to be supplied to the national grid, benefiting both farmers and the state. In the long term, it would support the development of a sustainable irrigation system in the Barind region.
The meeting expressed optimism that implementing this initiative would decrease dependence on fossil fuels and conventional electricity, promote renewable energy use, and lower irrigation costs, ultimately reducing farmers' production expenses and environmental pressure while boosting agricultural productivity.