Rajshahi:Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud announced that the government is prioritizing renewable energy, particularly solar power, to address the ongoing power and energy crisis in the country. This strategic shift comes in response to the global energy market's challenges and rising costs in power generation.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government has set a target to generate 5,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power before the next summer. As part of this initiative, electricity produced from solar panels installed on rooftops will be purchased by the government. This announcement was made by the minister during a view exchange meeting with government officials at the conference room of the Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner.
The minister highlighted that the government has subsidized Tk 46,000 crore over the past eight months to maintain a stable power supply in the country. He noted the exacerbation of the global power and energy crisis due to the ongoing war, emphasizing solar power as an effective solution for the current situation.
Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud urged the installation of solar panels on rooftops to boost solar power production, calling for individual-level initiatives. The government plans to purchase electricity from individual solar panel installations at Taka 10 per unit, with officials instructed to facilitate these measures.
The meeting was attended by Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, MPs from various constituencies, and other government officials, highlighting the collaborative effort required to implement these renewable energy initiatives.