Dependence on expensive imported fuel from volatile global market can be significantly reduced if renewable energy prospects can be exploited to full potential through appropraite policies and effective management. There appears to have huge avenues for expanding solar power and developing wind energy.
If it is possible to develop renewable energy by adopting proper initiatives and strategies, it will play a big role in reducing import dependence. Due to the volatile global energy market, import expenditure has now become a major liability for Bangladesh's economy. It is necessary to fix the right strategy to get available renewable energy sources including Solar and wind.
It is very much possible for government tiding over scarcity of land for grid solar if it acquires non agricutuarl fallow land. Government can also develop upgradation of power distribution grid for evacuating additional solar power. Solar power can be made available at 4-5 cents if the above can be ensured. SREDA must take required initiaves for implementing Mujib Energy Hub. Special Envoy to CVF Presidency Abul Kalam Azad, the chief guest of EP Talks titled “Insuring RE-EE for a Sustainable Future: Role of SREDA and Development Partners” said the above.
Special Envoy to CVF Presidency and President of Bangladesh Energy Society Abul Kalam Azad was the chief guest. Additional Secretary and Chairman of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) Mohammad Alauddin was present as the lead speaker. Director General of Power Cell Engineer Mohammad Hossain, President of Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association Deepal Chandra Barua, Energy Specialist Engineer Al Mudabbir Bin Anam and Managing Director of Joules Power Limited Nuher L Khan were present as panelists. EP Talks was conducted by Mollah Amzad Hossain, Editor, Energy and Power.
Distinguished panelists participating in the EP talk observed that, SREDA should develop an an one-stop center for renewable energy development. It should also take initiatives for addressing the impediments to implementation of renewable energy projects. They observed that the development of solar was being hampered for higher taxes. If it is logically adjusted it would be possible lowering the cost of solar power . SREDA should also have to review the level of assistance and support they require from development partners.
Abul Kalam Azad said, "There is more achievement, where there is more challenge." Success in renewable energy is achieved more out of challenge. Bangladesh can save significant foreign exchange drainages required for importing expensive primary fuel if it can develop renewable energy full potentail. In the prevailing global scenario with geo politics making global energy market volatile Bangladesh is in very difficult situation in absorbing price spirals of imported fuel. Evergy drop of renewable energy added would save some cents required to be spent on generating elecricity from imported fuel. That hard earned foreign exchange can be spent for catering other important development works.
He said that a lot of work has been done on solar, a lot has been implemented here as well. As we have huge river chars in the country, solar power generation is possible there at 4/5 cents. Solar can be installed on the roofs of government buildings in the divisional city, solar can be installed in railway lines and also solar panels can be placed on both sides of the road. There are many dams where solar can be installed. Floating solar panels can be installed at Kaptai Lake.
It is possible to generate 500 MW of electricity by installing solar in 1% area of Kaptai Lake. SREDA has the opportunity to work on these issues. The work of air mapping is going on. It is important to make a policy on wind energy in the sea. Making SREDA an one-stop center is not a complicated matter. SREDA has to take responsibility to lead with Mujib Energy Hub. Power generation is possible with Sea Wave. Electricity can also be generated using tides.
Mohammad Alauddin said, we have a lot of success with solar rooftops. However, in a country with a large population, land scarcity is a big problem. Business models are required for renewable energy. Creating a business model in solar irrigation is really urgent. Because electricity is required for irrigation for only 4 months.In that case the rest of the electricity generation may be used in the grid easily. The government is working to generate 245 MW in wind energy IPP and 110 MW in Sirajganj. Data is being collected on the potential of wind energy in the coastal area. SREDA is working on how to utilize wind energy in the Bay of Bengal.
Mohammad Hossain said SREDA has to work on storage of renewable electricity. There is ample opportunity for policy discussions. The period 2010-15 was a good time for power generation, in 2015-20 we have focused on transmission and distribution. And in 2021-25 we need to look at sustainable energy. SREDA can play a major role in this regard.
He said that despite the current production capacity, full production is not possible due to deficit of gas or coal. Renewable energy address this situation . In addition, renewable energy can only be converted into sustainable energy if we can make it cost competitive. .
Deepal Chandra Barua pointed out that, that the cost of electricit increases due to high cost of fuel. This can not make benefits visible of the 100 percent electrification . For this, the roadmap of renewable electricity has to be finalized. He suggested that for getting the benefits in net metering, the tax and duties need to be adjusted lower. Now there exist 36% tax. A task force could be formed under the Prime Minister's Office for overviewing the expeditious development of renewable energy.There is requirement of an action plan and implementation strategy based on everyone's experience . The capacity requires enhancing for accessing finacial support from development partners. 5% renewable targets for utility companies needs to be fixed as well.
Al Mudabbir bin Anam observed , "We have to work on how we can use the advanced technical skills." In addition, technical skills diversification is essential. It is not too late for us to start working in the sustainable energy sector. SREDA has to cater the needs of all stakeholders to produce, use and develop energy. He said strong political will and policy supports would be essentail for achieving the targets of 2041.
Nuher L Khan said that the policy on solar power is very good. However, arrangements have to be made for selling the electricity generated through REB. If SREDA can be made a one-stop center, then many impediments can be overcome. d, it needs to be addressed. Private sector can be integrated in wind energy development.
