Dhaka:The government has set a target to generate between 3,000 to 4,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power by next summer to mitigate the electricity crisis during high-demand periods.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit highlighted the potential of rooftop solar systems as an efficient solution to meet this target during a discussion organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in Dhaka.
The state minister emphasized that a comprehensive policy has been developed in just two months to expand solar power usage and alleviate the public's suffering from electricity shortages. He assured that the installation of solar systems in universities would be voluntary, with the government and UGC providing necessary support tailored to each institution's needs and capacity.
Furthermore, Amit underscored the opportunities for universities to earn carbon credits through the adoption of solar power, with the Power Division committing to assist in the generation and sale of these credits. He also announced the upcoming 'Bangladesh Solar Expo' scheduled for November 3 and 4 in Dhaka, aimed at promoting solar energy expansion.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, who presided over the meeting, lauded the OPEX model for installing solar systems as a cost-effective measure to reduce operational expenses for universities. He noted that Jessore University of Science and Technology (JUST) had already initiated a solar installation under this model.
The meeting was attended by Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahroukh, UGC member Prof Dr. Masuma Habib, along with vice-chancellors from various public universities, including BUET VC Prof Dr. SM Abdul Razzaq, Rajshahi University VC Prof Dr. Md Faridul Islam, and JUST VC Prof Dr. Iarul Kabir.