Govt aims to generate 10,000 MW from solar power: Energy Minister

The government has set a target to generate 10,000 megawatts of electricity from solar power in the initial phase, said Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a seminar organised by NDP at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Monday (July 20) morning.

The Energy Minister said there is no alternative to large-scale installation of solar panels at the rural level to save electricity and reduce dependence on imported fuel. He called upon non-governmental organisations to come forward in implementing this initiative.

He informed that the government had to spend nearly $2 billion on fuel imports alone since taking office. He also noted that import-dependent fuel is increasing electricity production costs and prices.

The minister said many countries around the world are generating electricity using marine energy resources. However, Bangladesh is still lagging behind in this sector. Therefore, the government is placing special emphasis on increasing the use of renewable energy.

He further said that increasing the use of solar panels in rural areas will not only save electricity but also strengthen the local economy.

At the time, the Power and Energy Minister assured NGOs of necessary financial support from the government for implementing solar power projects at the grassroots level.