Dhaka:The government aims to generate between 3,000 and 4,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power before the onset of the next summer season. This target is part of efforts to mitigate power shortages, as stated by State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Aninda Islam Amit.
According to United News of Bangladesh, State Minister Amit highlighted that rooftop solar systems are considered an effective and practical approach to meet this energy goal. During a meeting organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) at its Agargaon office, Amit discussed the government's proactive measures to avoid a repetition of last summer's power shortage challenges.
The government has also developed a policy to expand solar power use swiftly, within a period of two months. This policy remains open to revisions based on feedback from stakeholders. Amit assured that solar installations at public universities will be voluntary, taking into account each institution's specific needs and capacity.
Additionally, the Power Division will support universities in earning carbon credits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through solar energy. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed revealed that the commission has surveyed and established a team to evaluate the feasibility of installing solar systems at 31 public universities. He mentioned that universities could initiate the process within a month, with the UGC providing necessary technical support.
The meeting, attended by vice-chancellors of public universities, senior officials from the Power Division, and UGC members, also emphasized the adoption of the operational expenditure (OPEX) model to lower electricity costs for universities. An example of this initiative is currently underway at Jashore University of Science and Technology.