Stress laid on green growth,renewable energy in BD

FE report A strong green growth and renewable energy delegation took part in business to business (B2B) meeting on renewable energy organised by Nordic embassies in Bangladesh held at a city hotel on Tuesday. The embassies of Denmark and Norway are supporting the delegates comprising sixteen Danish and three Norwegian companies including the world's leaders in renewable energy and cleantech. Both the Nordic and Bangladesh officials and business people attended the meeting. Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy adviser to prime minister attended the meeting as chief guest. Norway's ambassador in Bangladesh Ragne Birte Lund, Denmark ambassador Svend Olling, Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Shamim Ul Huq were the special guests while Asian Tiger Capital Partners' managing partner Ifty Islam was in the chair. The energy adviser in his inaugural speech said the government is helping the renewable energy to grow. He said solar home systems have made a breakthrough across the country particularly the people at the off grid rural zones are now getting power from solar rays. More than 200 people including representatives from 85 local companies took part in 180 matchmaking sessions (B2B). Norway ambassador Ragne Birte Lund said with the increased pressure on natural resources there is a great need for both green growth and renewable energy. Denmark ambassador Svend Olling said development of green growth and renewable energy is very important for Bangladesh to meet the increased demand for energy. The matchmaking sessions discussed on more Nordic investments in solar power, biomass and wind, energy, efficient cooling systems and air filtrations, water treatment and innovative and efficient energy systems. Anette S. Galskjot , commercial counselor at the Royal Danish Embassy said the evolving technology in manufacturing solar panels may reduce prices of panels. She said as Bangladesh is now experiencing use of solar panels so it will seek more high technology in its future solar programmes to minimise the costs and make solar home systems affordable to the people. Ms. Anette said, "We have seen an overwhelming interest both from the Nordic green energy and cleantech companies as well as their Bangladeshi counterparts." "We believe the matchmaking sessions have laid a ground for partnerships today at which both the Bangladeshi and the visiting members would be benefited". Pernille Strann Thorup, trainee of the Royal Danish Embassy said, "We are happy that a good number local business people are attending the meeting."