Govt encourages renewable energy: Nasrul Hamid

As part of the global campaign to expand renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas, the government has been encouraging power generation from renewable sources, reports BSS.

“It is necessary to innovate such a technology that would occupy less land to generate solar power,” state minister for power, energy and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid told the news agency on Friday.

He said it is necessary to introduce mix fuel in power generation, adding, “Developed countries have been working with hydrogen for transforming as energy. It’s time to think about ocean energy, wind power and rooftop solar system.”

“Now Bangladesh is generating electricity from renewable energy sources at 730.62 MW with installation of 6 million (60 lakh) Solar Home Systems (SHSs) across the country as part of green and clean energy campaign globally,” Nasrul said.

He said the government has brought 20 million (2 crore) marginal people under electricity coverage through Solar Home System. As part of the government campaign for expansion and installation of renewable energy sources in the country, the ratio of renewable energy source will be 40 per cent in power generation in future, he added.

“Works with new technologies were underway to increase power generation from solar irrigation, solar mini grid, wind power, waste power etc.,” Nasrul said.

According to ministry sources, the government has undertaken various steps including offering incentives for expansion of renewable energy to increase renewable energy ratio in the power sector.

They said 100 per cent people have come under electricity coverage within the Mujib Borsho (Mujib Centenary) and around 99.75 per cent people have already come under electrification, as power generation capacity reached 25,235 MW.

Currently, the renewable energy installation capacity is 730.32 MW under the guideline of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), of which 496.39 MW come from solar power.