Solar power projects face delays amid challenges: Adviser Fouzul Kabir

Bangladesh's solar power projects have failed to gain momentum despite several government initiatives, mainly due to multiple challenges and non-cooperation from certain power distribution agencies, said Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan on Tuesday (21 October).

Speaking at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under the National Rooftop Solar Programme at Bidyut Bhaban in Dhaka, the adviser said several distribution companies' resistance has repeatedly hindered the progress of solar power projects.

"The biggest obstacle to implementing solar power projects has been the non-cooperation of some distribution companies. Their resistance has delayed progress time and again," he said.

Fouzul Kabir highlighted the worsening energy scenario, saying the country's natural gas reserves are declining rapidly, while importing LNG and expanding exploration have become increasingly difficult.

"Every year, we lose about 200 million cubic feet of gas. Moreover, there are countless illegal gas connections across the country. Even when one is cut off, new ones emerge elsewhere," he said.

The adviser noted that electricity generation using imported gas costs Tk18–20 per unit, while in the industrial sector, the cost rises to Tk30–40 per unit.

"Despite these pressures, the government has not increased gas or electricity prices in the past year," he said, adding that renewable energy remains the only sustainable option for the future. "If we can generate 3,000 megawatts of power from rooftop solar systems, it will ease pressure on other energy sources."

The adviser acknowledged that Bangladesh is lagging behind its neighbours in renewable energy adoption. "Around 75% of Sri Lanka's electricity comes from solar, while India produces 30–40% from it. Bangladesh, however, generates only 2–3%."

As part of the interim government's roadmap for sustainable energy, the Power Division yesterday signed MoUs with five ministries and divisions to implement the National Rooftop Solar Programme.

The participating entities include the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, Health Services Division, Secondary and Higher Education Division, Technical and Madrasa Education Division and the Women and Family Welfare Division.

According to the Power Division, the initiative was approved on 29 June at a meeting of the Advisory Council.

Under the programme, the government aims to produce 2,000–3,000 megawatts of electricity nationwide through rooftop solar systems.