Solar mini-grids for remote areas
The initiative
will provide the people
in rural areas with the opportunity of
getting environment-friendly solar power
That the government has planned to set up 50 solar mini-grids in remote off-grid areas of the country, mainly in islands, by 2018 is a good piece of news. According to a report in this newspaper yesterday, of the planned mini-grids, seven have already been installed while 11 are under the installation process, while the remaining 32 are at the planning stage.
The seven mini-grids are in Swandip and Kutubdia in Chittagong, Monpura in Bhola and Raipura in Narsingdi, and two islands in Rajshahi and one in Kurigram district. According to sources, each of the mini-grids will have 100-250 kilowatt load capacity for serving 500-1200 households and commercial consumers. Initially, electricity will be generated from a solar hub and then it will go to consumers through a distribution lines during the daytime.
The initiative will provide the people in rural areas of the country with the unique opportunity of getting environment-friendly solar power. The programme is likely to contribute to the governments pledge to reach electricity to all by the year 2021. With the increase in the number of population the demand for electricity is also increasing in the country. Measures are being taken by the government and private organizations to meet the demand.
Small businessmen, people connected with cottage industry and other professions, and students will enjoy the benefits of solar energy. The programme can be very beneficial as it can reduce the health risk of rural families, check environmental pollution, save bio-gas and contributing to afforestation. Besides, through reduction in the use of kerosene oil substantial amount of foreign exchange will be saved.
Solar energy can be used as a source of power to individual home, apartment, industry, shopping complex, irrigation pump, street light and to the national grid. Use of solar power will reduce the dependence on the conventional energy sources. The programme will contribute to growth of rural economy by creating employment opportunity.
At present electricity is mainly produced by using gas and coal. The said project will lessen the pressure on gas. Then gas can be used in other productive sectors. It is expected that the government will take further pragmatic measures for expansion of the project to reach its benefit to the people.
