Dhaka:The government is implementing a long-term plan to expand solar power systems across Bangladesh as part of efforts to enhance energy security, minimize reliance on fossil fuels, and promote environmentally friendly electricity generation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, directives have been issued by the BNP government to install solar panels on rooftops of various structures, including government buildings and rural market structures. This initiative aims to tap into the potential for developing domestic industries related to solar energy, such as solar panels, inverters, batteries, and maintenance services, thereby creating new employment opportunities.
Officials from the Power Division note that the country's electricity demand is increasing annually. International fuel price fluctuations and the import-dependent energy system contribute to rising production costs and uncertainty in the power sector. As a result, utilizing locally available sunlight to generate electricity is seen as a crucial strategy for ensuring long-term energy security.
Power Division Secretary Mirana Mahrukh emphasized the need to prioritize energy security and environmental protection due to the steadily increasing electricity demand. The government's Renewable Energy Policy targets meeting 20 percent of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 and 30 percent by 2040. The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) is tasked with achieving these goals.
Bangladesh's power generation capacity from renewable sources has surpassed 1,700 megawatts, with solar power making up a significant portion. Rooftop solar systems offer the potential to generate substantial electricity without requiring additional land, according to SREDA Chairman Muzaffar Ahmed.
Ahmed highlighted the role of net metering facilities in engaging consumers in renewable electricity generation, encouraging the expansion of rooftop solar power. The national rooftop solar program aims to utilize rooftops of government buildings, educational institutions, and industrial plants to generate 2,000 to 3,000 megawatts of solar power by 2025.
Engineer Md Rezaul Karim, Chairman of the Bangladesh Power Development Board, noted the importance of enhancing transmission infrastructure to integrate renewable energy into the national grid. Attracting both domestic and foreign investment is crucial for large-scale solar projects, and efforts are being made to improve the investment climate through long-term power purchase agreements and policy incentives.
Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association, pointed out the potential for private investment in the solar sector. Ensuring long-term policy, quick approvals, and easy grid connectivity could encourage larger investments.
The current solar power generation capacity connected to the national grid stands at 1,073.5 megawatts, with an additional 377.17 megawatts off-grid. The total installed capacity is approximately 1,450.67 megawatts, with plans to increase it to 5,000 megawatts over the next five years.
Abdur Rashid Khan, Managing Director of Power Grid Bangladesh PLC, stressed the need for modern grid management systems and electricity storage solutions to integrate large amounts of solar power. Battery energy storage systems are being incorporated into future plans to enhance the effectiveness of solar power by storing surplus energy for evening and nighttime use.