Prioritising renewable energy

Bangladesh's energy crisis has been affecting millions of people since July, 2022. The problem has existed for too long and requires immediate government action to offer some relief to the public. Frequent load shedding interferes with people's daily lives. Most people cannot afford generators or IPS. As a result, they struggle to complete their daily chores, students are unable to study, and the elderly and sick also experience difficulties due to extreme temperatures. Power outages also affect business and industrial activities ultimately harming the economy. Many factories have been forced to close down or function on reduced capacity. Businesses are also faced with increasing costs as they are often compelled to operate on fuel and diesel generators. They pass these additional costs on to the consumers. Even now in autumn, people are experiencing load-shedding regularly and the situation will not be relieved until winter arrives. Therefore, the government should resolve our energy crisis and invest in sustainable energy infrastructure and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
In 2022, China has achieved the target of generating 45.3 per cent of its electricity generation from renewable sources. India met 33.7 per cent of its electricity demand last year from renewable sources. Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines and Germany have also succeeded in rooftop solar power generation. The provision of subsidies and incentives in the pricing of solar panels and batteries have been a key factor for success in these countries. Why Bangladesh's solar power production has not yet reached 1500 MW even in 2023?
Those concerned should think about it with due seriousness. Generation of renewable power should be given top priority. Gaibandha has a solar power project on 600 acres of land, which generates 200 MW of electricity every day. More solar-cum-wind power plants should be set up across the country so that we can switch to renewable energy not only to produce electricity but also save our environment.

Ashikujaman Syed,
Foreign Service Officer,
Anhui Haikang Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd,
Anqing, China,
syedashikujaman@yahoo.com