Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku has said solar power will be made more accessible to create backup electricity systems.
He added, a new policy will be formulated and issued through a government order by June.
He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the ‘Power, Energy and Infrastructure Expo’ at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
Tuku said, “Bangladesh still lags behind in renewable energy. India and Pakistan have increased the use of solar and wind power to reduce dependence on fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Bangladesh, however, remained deprived of this sector for a long time.”
He added, “Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed the government to prioritise solar and wind power since assuming office.”
He further mentioned, “Bangladesh is now ready to move forward in solar energy, but the biggest challenge is policy support. A committee has been formed under the Prime Minister’s directive to accelerate the renewable energy sector.”
He added that the committee has already held meetings and finalised the policy framework.
“New policy will be formulated and issued through a government order by June” he said.
Tuku said a solar revolution is possible if the government provides proper policy support.
Referring to the ready-made garment sector, the minister said, “Policy support such as bonded warehouse facilities and back-to-back LCs introduced by President Ziaur Rahman in the 1980s triggered a revolution in the sector.”
He added that similar support in the solar sector could rapidly expand renewable energy.
Tuku further said the government is developing a simplified and effective framework for importing equipment such as inverters, frames and photovoltaic panels so that entrepreneurs can easily install solar systems.
He stressed special importance on battery storage systems, saying daytime generation alone is not enough and storage is essential to meet evening peak demand.
The minister said the government also plans to reduce tax pressure on entrepreneurs to enable cost-effective solar project implementation.
He expected a policy to be finalised within this month and approved by the cabinet by June before being issued as a government order.
He said the government is working to generate 10,000 megawatts of renewable energy within the next five years.
Tuku also said, “There are plans to expand rooftop solar power generation in buildings across Dhaka and other cities. Private entrepreneurs will be able to install solar panels on rooftops and supply electricity to building owners. Bills will be adjusted through net metering at the end of each month, and building owners will receive a share.”
He said this would make it a profitable sector for entrepreneurs and ease pressure on the capital’s electricity supply.
“The government has taken an initiative to install solar panels in every household to reduce pressure on the national grid” Tuku added.
He further noted that lack of leadership had so far prevented large-scale expansion of solar systems in the country. However, the current government plans to prioritise solar and wind energy within renewable sources. He also said electricity prices have not been increased.
Organisers said the three-day expo will continue until Saturday. Around 140 companies and organisations from 12 countries are participating. The international exhibition will showcase products, technologies and services related to power, energy, construction and infrastructure development. FERB is the media partner of the event.
The event was attended by Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority Chairman Muzaffar Ahmed, Bangladesh Elevator, Escalator and Lift Importers Association President Md Shafiul Alam Ujjal, Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association President Mostafa Al Mahmud, Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) Chairman M Azizur Rahman, and editor of Khaborer Kagoj Mostofa Kamal, among others.
