Research has revealed that 10,779 megawatts of solar power can be generated on 10% roofs of the Dhaka division.
The research also demonastrated great opportunities for electricity generation from renewable energy on paddy fields, reservoirs, and rooftops.
This research report was presented in the seminar titled “Possibilities of solar energy and reality of land availability in Bangladesh” on Wednesday.
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) and Coastal Livelihood and Environmental Action Network (CLEAN) jointly organized this seminar at the YWCA auditorium in the capital.
The speakers discussed the possibility of solar power production.
“Bangladesh is committed to achieving 100% renewable energy target by 2050 whereas currently, we have achieved only 3%.”
Solar energy can be one of the solutions to achieve this huge renewable energy target.
The study shows that 3,388 acres of unallocated land of total Khas land in Dhaka Division can be used for setting up ground solar power generation plants and can generate about 1,367 MW of solar power from which 26% of demand of existing total demand can be fulfilled.
Also, using only 10% of Dhaka Division's 148,235 acre water bodies, it is possible to set up a 5,985 MW floating solar power plant which will be capable of meeting the entire demand.
This research proves that it is possible to meet the electricity demand of the country by using the Khas land, reservoirs and roofs of multi-storied buildings.
The speakers present in this seminar highlighted various aspects of setting up solar power generation plants using lands, reservoirs and roofs of multi-storied buildings in the country.
They said there are many challenges in setting up solar power generation centers in reservoirs and they can be tackled to a large extent by empowering the relevant government agencies of the country. Besides, the policy-making level of the country is also highlighted. Speakers also discussed the potential of solar power as well as wind power.
The speaker also said it would be possible to achieve the 100% renewable energy target by 2050 if the conventional idea of scarcity of space for setting up solar power plants is turned down.
The seminar was attended by representatives of the Bangladesh Power Department Board, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority, Palli Bidyut, the Department of Environment, and various private organizations, researchers and academics.