Staff Reporter :
In a bid to tackle the perennial issue of power shortages, the government is diversifying its energy sources and embracing innovative solutions to meet the surging demand for electricity.
Despite advancements in power generation, the country grapples with frequent load-shedding, especially during the scorching months of summer, affecting both urban and rural areas.
With an annual exponential rise in energy consumption, propelled by ambitious mega projects and industrial expansion, the government is exploring various avenues.
The introduction of the Rooppur Power Plant, a nuclear facility set to generate 2,400 megawatts, signifies a significant leap to the nuclear era for Bangladesh.
However, even with the integration of diverse sources like gas, coal, and nuclear power, existing generation plants struggle to keep pace with the burgeoning demand.
The largest consumers of energy in the country are industries and the residential sector, with the commercial and agricultural sectors following closely.
Experts said that Bangladesh would require an estimated 34,000 MW of power by 2030 to sustain its impressive economic growth of over 7 percent.
In response, the government is actively exploring renewable energy options, particularly solar power. The shift towards solar energy has gained momentum, especially in rural areas.
While solar energy is becoming increasingly popular, experts argue that its true potential will be unlocked when the cost of solar panels becomes more affordable and durable.
This, they say, will enable even the economically disadvantaged segments of society to embrace this sustainable energy source.
Recognising the need for collective efforts, the private sector is also contributing to the solar energy landscape by establishing solar plants across different regions of the country.
As Bangladesh strides towards a more sustainable energy future, the incorporation of solar power emerges as a key player in reshaping the country’s energy landscape and ensuring a reliable power supply for its growing economy, experts said.
In line with this commitment, the government inaugurated its largest solar power center, Teesta Solar Limited, on August 2. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated this solar power center, developed in collaboration with Beximco Group’s subsidiary, Beximco Power Company.
Built on an uninhabited char (riverine island) spanning approximately 6,000 acres in Gaibandha’s Sundarganj Upazila, Teesta Solar Limited is the largest solar power center in Bangladesh and one of the largest in Asia.
Starting from December, the facility has been supplying 200 megawatts of electricity to the national grid daily. Additionally, the government has plans for two more solar power projects, each with a capacity of 200 megawatts, in the same area.
Furthermore, the government is actively exploring renewable energy options, including the construction of a significant solar power project in the vast char areas of Feni.
Feni’s Sonagazi region is on the brink of a renewable energy revolution as a colossal 285-acre solar power production project takes shape in Char Chandia and Char Darbesh Union.
Initiated under government auspices, this mega project is set to integrate 75 megawatts of electricity into the national grid upon its completion. The estimated cost of the project stands at BDT 7.56 billion.
The current phase of the project focuses on the installation of solar panels, with 96 percent of the 178,000 panels already in place.
Anwar Hossen, the project director, shared that the final phase involves completing the panel installation.
“If all goes according to plan, the Mirersarai grid substation will be connected to the locally generated electricity.
This marks a significant leap toward sustainable energy solutions, contributing to Bangladesh’s commitment to reducing its dependence on conventional power sources,” he said.
In parallel, Tangail and Cox’s Bazar have been selected for the establishment of two separate 100-megawatt solar power centers to diversify the energy and reduce carbon emissions, sources said.
Dr. S. M. Jahangir Alam, the former Commissioner and Director of Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, emphasised the urgent need for the construction of more solar power centers and the widespread dissemination of solar energy services in the country.
“The efforts to expand solar power infrastructure in Bangladesh are significant steps towards sustainability and environmental conservation.
These projects will not only contribute to the national grid but also align with global initiatives to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources and promote cleaner, renewable alternatives,” he said.
