Experts emphasised forming an effective network of private sector, civil society and public agencies to expedite renewable energy trade, with the focus on providing power to some 37 per cent left-out population.
At a meet held Monday by the apex trade chamber, the speakers suggested private sector’s role in developing and promoting renewable energy in the country through innovation and creativity.
They also pointed out that high cost of installation of solar systems still remains a major barrier to the expansion of solar energy in Bangladesh.
The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) with the support of GIZ organised the seminar on ‘Practices and Success Stories of Renewable Energy in Bangladesh’ at a city hotel.
The aim was to provide a platform for relevant and in-depth discussions as well deliberations on renewable energy trade, identify success stories, existing practices, problems and prospects in relation to renewable energy.
Facilitating the formation of an effective network of private sector, civil society and public agencies was the main objective, in order to give the potential sector a nudge.
Energy adviser to the prime minister Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury was present as the chief guest. FBCCI president Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed was among others present. FBCCI first vice-president Monowara Hakim Ali chaired the event.
Bangladesh as a power-starved nation is largely dependent on minerals-based power generation (gas and coal) although an emerging trend has been in renewable energy with particular emphasis on solar energy.
The present renewable energy comes from solar power, hydropower, biogas and wind.
With an estimated 38 per cent of the population in Bangladesh having no access to electricity, the government introduced a scheme known as Solar Home Systems (SHS) to provide electricity to households with no grid access.
The government has implemented the scheme through the government- owned Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (IDCOL). Its solar-power-development capacity has exceeded 150 megawatts, mostly coming from solar home system (SHS).
Mr Tawfiq-e-Elahi said, “Although Bangladesh has volunteered to produce 500mw renewable energy, the donors never brought down the cost despite request.”
He, however, suggested all concerned not to depend on others and find solutions through creativity and innovation.
Mr Elahi said the number of SHS customers in Bangladesh is larger than the population of Norway or Sweden. “Soon the number will cross the population of Australia.”
The IDCOL has installed 3.6 million SHS till April 15 since 2003 against a national target of 6.0 million by 2018. The company also has financed 1,538 megawatts by investing US$43 million.
The country has experienced significant growth in SHS project since 2010.
IDCOL has a target to set up 10,000 biogas plants by 2018 out of which 38,000 have been achieved. It also has installed 305 solar irrigation pumps against a target of 1,500 by 2017.
Mr Elahi listed various challenges with biogas projects, including environmental pollution and so. Also the project of generating power from municipal and domestic wastes has so far failed.
The adviser suggested undertaking research to introduce improved solar cooking systems for the villages.
In his welcome address, Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed said with the limited resources of non-renewable energy in Bangladesh, the scope and importance of generating electricity from renewable sources is crucial.
The private sector also has a decisive role to play for furthering the interests for sustainable development efforts and utilizing the business opportunities for renewable energy trade.
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FBCCI moves to expand renewable energy biz
FE Report | Published: April 28, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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