The use of renewable energy sources and maximizing of energy efficiency are crucial for ensuring sustainable development in Bangladesh, renewable energy sector stakeholders and government high-ups have said.
Pledging to introduce state-of-the-art technology to the sector, they also emphasized the commercial expansion of successful renewable energy and energy efficiency models piloted at the grassroots level.
The comments were made at an event to mark the completion of the opening phase of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program (REEEP), held at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday.
Launched in November 2013, the phase, funded by German development agency GIZ, involved €10million and was completed in October last year. It was jointly implemented by GIZ and Bangladesh’s Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA).
Addressing the event as the chief guest, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the government was eager to promote renewable energy sourcing in the country.
Seeking technical cooperation from energy experts, he said commercial production of bio-fuel could help meet the energy demand for the country’s public transport, reducing dependency on traditional fuel.
The minister insisted that successful models of renewable energy sources be expanded across the country, in order to ensure sustainable development.
Power Division Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus praised entrepreneurs who have been engaging in renewable energy sourcing and dealing with energy efficiency.
Delivering a warning on the harmful impact of climate change due to unplanned development, he said: “If we fail to adopt modern and climate-resilient technology, climate change will take a heavy toll on us.”
Andreas Hartmann, head of development cooperation at the German Embassy in Dhaka, demanded that contributors to climate change be reduced.
Recalling that Germany itself generated 42% of its energy from renewable sources in 2018, he suggested that a way to make the renewable sector more profitable and economically viable be found.
SREDA Chairman Md Helal Uddin said the southern part of Bangladesh has significant potential for the generation of wind power, and they are considering whether to invite competitive bidding.
He also emphasized the need for more focus on net-metering, to help the generation of rooftop solar power and improve energy efficiency.
“Installing net-metering systems, particularly at industrial establishments, will be crucial to achieving energy efficiency,” he said.
Project director Siddique Zobair, also a member of Sreda, said they were working towards achieving the target of generating 10% power from renewable sources by 2020, and saving 15% of total energy consumption by 2021, and 20% by 2030.
