Renewable energy is the future

With long hot summer months Bangladesh is an ideal candidate for increased use of solar energy. If solar and other renewable energy sources can gradually replace the use of fossil fuels in the irrigation sector not only will it save crores of taka spent in importing diesel but emission free agricultural practice will help reduce the carbon foot print to a great degree.  

According to a recently published report in this newspaper the government has planned to purchase unconsumed or surplus electricity from solar-run irrigation pumps across the country aiming to promote renewable energy. The government has prepared a draft policy to purchase such electricity from pump operators.

Solar energy and other renewables are the future. Fossil fuels are finite and already their substitutes are being adopted in various parts of the globe. The authorities here are trying to promote renewable energy across the country to achieve the target to generate 10 per cent of electricity from renewable sources.

Bangladesh is a success story in developing off-grid rooftop solar power known as solar home system (SHS) which has given electricity to a large number of people living in remote off-grid areas and who would not have electricity otherwise. More than four million SHS installed domestically have uplifted the lifestyle of these impoverished people by providing small-scale power at their homes.

With the cost of installing solar panels coming down, each village in future may be able to set up panels and generate enough power for irrigation. Initially though, donor agencies as well as non-governmental organisations, micro-finance institutions, private companies and commercial banks can play a vital role in funding the installation of more pumps.    

 With climate change becoming a looming threat the country must look for ways to increase the use of renewable energy sources like solar power. Solar energy generates energy without releasing greenhouse effect gases (GHG), making them an indispensable ally in the battle against climate change and environmental degradation. In any case fossil fuels will be depleted in the long rung unlike solar power.

The need for using solar energy in Bangladesh can’t be overemphasised. The sun is a huge source of renewable, clean energy. And as long as there is a sun, there will be solar power.

 

 

 

Renewable energy is the future

With long hot summer months Bangladesh is an ideal candidate for increased use of solar energy. If solar and other renewable energy sources can gradually replace the use of fossil fuels in the irrigation sector not only will it save crores of taka spent in importing diesel but emission free agricultural practice will help reduce the carbon foot print to a great degree. According to a recently published report in this newspaper the government has planned to purchase unconsumed or surplus electricity from solar-run irrigation pumps across the country aiming to promote renewable energy. The government has prepared a draft policy to purchase such electricity from pump operators. Solar energy and other renewables are the future. Fossil fuels are finite and already their substitutes are being adopted in various parts of the globe. The authorities here are trying to promote renewable energy across the country to achieve the target to generate 10 per cent of electricity from renewable sources. Bangladesh is a success story in developing off-grid rooftop solar power known as solar home system (SHS) which has given electricity to a large number of people living in remote off-grid areas and who would not have electricity otherwise. More than four million SHS installed domestically have uplifted the lifestyle of these impoverished people by providing small-scale power at their homes. With the cost of installing solar panels coming down, each village in future may be able to set up panels and generate enough power for irrigation. Initially though, donor agencies as well as non-governmental organisations, micro-finance institutions, private companies and commercial banks can play a vital role in funding the installation of more pumps. With climate change becoming a looming threat the country must look for ways to increase the use of renewable energy sources like solar power. Solar energy generates energy without releasing greenhouse effect gases (GHG), making them an indispensable ally in the battle against climate change and environmental degradation. In any case fossil fuels will be depleted in the long rung unlike solar power. The need for using solar energy in Bangladesh cant be overemphasised. The sun is a huge source of renewable, clean energy. And as long as there is a sun, there will be solar power.