Govt working to generate 10% electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030: Energy adviser

The government is working relentlessly to generate 10% electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030, Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said today.

"The adoption of rooftop solar technology in the industrial sector marks a significant step towards energy independence and sustainability for Bangladesh," he said at a workshop organised by the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) on "Installation of industrial rooftop solar system – prospects and benefits" at BGMEA Auditorium. 

This initiative not only reduces dependency on grid electricity but also supports our commitment to renewable energy, said the adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Road, Transport and Bridges and Ministry of Railways. 

The objective of the workshop is to promote rooftop solar technology among the members of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said a press release. 

Cost of electricity generation from solar rooftop is cheaper than that of grid tariff. Thus, financing such projects makes financial sense apart from achieving the country's target of renewable energy-based power generation, reads the press release.

Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD) and Chairman, IDCOL, said, "The adoption of rooftop solar technology in our industrial sector is not just a step toward reducing energy costs; it is a vital commitment to achieving Bangladesh's renewable energy targets. Let us work collaboratively to unlock this potential and pave the way for a greener, more energy-secure future."

Alamgir Morshed, executive director and CEO, IDCOL mentioned that IDCOL not only provides low-cost financing for rooftop solar but also provides technical support and capacity development for the organisations. 

"These are very important for the scaling up of this technology. It is estimated that Bangladesh has a potential of generating more than 5,000 MW of electricity from rooftop solar. IDCOL has set a target to finance 300 MWp rooftop solar projects by 2026," he added.

Michael Sumser, director, KfW Office, Dhaka and Md Anwar Hossain, administrator, BGMEA attended the event, among others.