Forty-two civic and social organizations have called for a specific action plan to expand renewable energy in the country’s coastal areas, saying the move is essential to ensure energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuel and build a clean and equitable energy future.
The demand was raised at a cycling rally and a meeting held in Paikgachha of Khulna and Tala of Satkhira on Friday as part of a month-long campaign.
The rally began at the Haringdhali Secondary School field in Paikgachha. Participants, carrying banners and festoons, rode through Kapilmuni and Kashimnagar before passing through various areas of Tala. They also conducted awareness activities on renewable energy, climate change and environmental protection.
A meeting was later held at the premises of Anirban Library in Paikgachha. Bidyut Biswas, president of Sachetan Sangstha, chaired the meeting.
Speaking virtually, Nikhil Chandra Bhadra, coordinator of the Sundarbans and Coastal Protection Movement, said renewable energy had become essential and that the coastal region had significant potential for solar power generation.
He said large areas of coastal land could be used for solar projects. Existing land associated with power projects in Rampal and Matarbari could also be utilized for large-scale solar power generation, while coastal embankments and extensive char lands could be brought under renewable energy projects.
Bhadra called for a specific action plan to harness the region’s renewable energy potential.
Other speakers said fossil fuels were contributing to global warming and air pollution. They noted that dust caused by pollution can accumulate on solar panels and reduce their efficiency, meaning that reducing pollution could also improve solar power generation.
They said renewable energy was not merely an environmental issue but was also linked to national energy security, economic self-reliance and sovereignty.
The speakers called for a clear roadmap, effective measures and strong political commitment to accelerate renewable energy development. They also stressed that the transition would require coordinated efforts from the government, citizens and other stakeholders.