BD's generation to rise by 2,000 MW in 2 yrs: Nasrul

The country's overall electricity generation from renewable-energy sources would rise by around 2,000 megawatts (MW) within the next two years, Nasrul Hamid, state minister for Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR), said on Tuesday.
Besides, generation of around 6,000 MW more electricity from renewable energy is in the pipeline, he also said.
Mr Hamid was speaking during a meeting between representatives of the MPEMR and a delegation of the World Bank (WB) in his office.
He said the country lost investment worth around US$ 10 billion due to annulling 10 coal-fired power plant projects.
But Bangladesh did not get significant investments in renewable energy projects, he lamented.
The government almost finalised importing around 500 MW of electricity from hydropower plant in Nepal, and expressed willingness to import more hydropower from Bhutan and Nepal.
The government is also considering importing more electricity from Indian power market. A relevant policy has already been adopted, he noted.
Some 4.0 million battery-run three-wheelers, also known as easy-bikes, are already in the market, the state minister said, adding lithium batteries should be used in these vehicles instead of lead batteries.
The government is also considering engaging the private sector in power transmission business, he informed the WB delegates.
WB's vice president Martin Raiser, who led the eight-member WB delegation, stressed cross-border electricity trade, regional power pool, and South Asian power market.

Azizjst@yahoo.com