Nasrul: Steps taken to increase renewable energy generation

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Thursday said various initiatives have been taken to increase the stake of renewable energy sources.

"Research is underway on solar, wind, water and waste. While hydrogen fuel is also in our plans," he said while witnessing a contract signing ceremony as the special guest for generating electricity from the waste of Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC).

Nasrul said that the popularity of electric-run vehicles is increasing day by day, adding: "We have developed charging guidelines. Engine efficiency is high, so it is possible to drive an electric vehicle cost-effectively."

He said due to the ongoing global crisis the energy market is volatile all over the globe. The Power Division is moving towards an uninterrupted power supply, but the Russia-Ukraine war has interrupted it.

Nasrul said: "We will go to a better position after the next month or the month after. Bangladesh encourages expansion of renewable energy. Currently, 910.82MW of electricity is generated from renewable energy sources, but 32 projects are going on for more 1442 MW of electricity."

He said another 4,632MW power generation process through 76 projects is underway.

The signing ceremony for generating 6MW of power from the waste of Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) was held at a hotel in the capital with Power Division Secretary Md Habibur Rahman in the chair.

Besides, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Md Tajul Islam was present as the chief guest, while NCC Mayor Dr Selina Hayat Ivy spoke on the occasion as the special guest.

Tajul Islam said electricity will be generated from the waste of rural villages, not only in city corporations or metropolitan cities.

"Due to the hard work of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu's daughter, the entire country has been brought under 100% power coverage. However, some energy crisis cropped up due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which created unexpected situations in all countries," he said.

Under the agreement, a Chinese company will set up a 6MW power generation plant at Jalkuri to generate electricity from the waste of NCC.

According to the project details, 20.91% was fixed per unit of electricity under a 20-year contract. The project will be completed within 455 days.

Joint Secretary Nirod Chandra signed the agreement on behalf of the Power Division.