Achieving solar power target

Disruption of supply line following the Israel-US imposed war on Iran has laid bare the vulnerability of countries dependent on fuel oil and gas from Middle East countries. This fuel shock has compelled these countries to either look for alternative sources of fossil fuels or viable options for renewable energy. Bangladesh is one such country now desperately searching for its energy sovereignty. It has already initiated a move to attract major gas and oil companies for exploration of its offshore blocks with potential gas and oil reserves. So far as renewable energy is concerned, solar power stands a very good chance of faster exploitation provided that an enabling environment is created. The new government seems to be quite aware of this and has expressed its intention of harnessing 10,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030.

Energy experts put forward their considered opinions at a press conference titled 'Welcoming the government's target of 10,000 MW of solar power generation by 2030 and presenting civil society's expectations and pathways'. Jointly organised by the ActionAid Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and the Just Energy Transition Network Bangladesh (JETnet-BD), the conference was told that the project is ambitious but it is quite achievable too. They are of the opinion that adequate policy support can make this happen. Tax holiday, introduction of appropriate technology, required financing and a firm political will can overcome the challenges facing this renewable sector. Tax exemption is not a pet subject these days but if this can attract big investments for putting in place the infrastructure needed to generate the targeted amount of solar power, it is worth considering. Next comes technology that suits Bangladesh condition. Although abundant sunshine is an advantage for the country, it has land constraints. This problem can be skirted around by agro-voltaic models providing shade for shade-tolerant crops. Then the floating solar panels are an option too.

Right now high-capacity solar cells are imported but panels are increasingly being assembled locally and even exported. Now the need is to develop such cells domestically in order to match the growing demand. Solar technology inverters are mostly imported and if those could also be produced locally, it would cut costs and time. It is important that the country achieve the capability of executing utility-scale projects as early as possible. This can be done in collaboration with foreign companies if they can be roped in on the strength of attractive offers.

Given Bangladesh's bitter experience about oil and gas import at double the normal time prices, solar power provides the right solution. So, there is no harm to pursue a solar policy foreign companies find quite lucrative. Even if the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is allergic to tax holiday, considering the benefit of solar energy, solar power projects can be exempted from paying for a reasonable period of time. Such projects are free from heavy maintenance costs and have the added advantage of storing the excess power during the day in batteries. To make things easier, excessive import duty on batteries can also be scaled down. Expert engineers should be given the responsibility of bringing down the costs of producing high-capacity solar cells, panels and other accessories for transition to utility-scale generation of solar power.