Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced a series of measures to expand renewable energy, including financial incentives for rooftop solar, while unveiling plans for a 10-year roadmap for the power and energy sectors. Report UNB
Responding to a question in Parliament, the Prime Minister said essential solar equipment, including panels, inverters and batteries, would be conditionally exempted from customs duty, regulatory duty, supplementary duty, advance tax and an additional 2% advance income tax.
The government will also purchase electricity fed into the national grid from rooftop solar systems installed over the next six months at Tk10.50 per unit. The incentive will remain in effect for three years.
According to the Prime Minister, the scheme could offer returns of up to 45%, including a 40% profit margin and a 5% premium, based on an average solar generation cost of Tk6-7 per unit.
The government has also launched a National Rooftop Solar Program to install solar systems at government offices, educational institutions, hospitals and other key facilities. A guideline has been prepared, while special allocations have been made to ministries, divisions and agencies.
Rooftop solar systems have already been installed at the offices of all deputy commissioners and divisional commissioners, he said.
The government is also pursuing power generation from hydropower, wind and waste-to-energy projects as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and expand renewable energy.
10-Year Energy Roadmap
The Prime Minister said the government had prepared a 10-year plan for the power and energy sectors, with some assessments still underway.
The Energy Ministry will soon present the plan to Parliament and the nation. The roadmap will set out strategies for developing the country’s power and energy sectors over the next decade, supporting the government’s ambition to build a trillion-dollar economy by 2034.
Government Considers Phulbari Coal Extraction
On a question about open-pit coal mining at Phulbari, Tarique said the government would consider coal extraction if it could help ease the country’s energy crisis and reduce pressure on foreign currency reserves.
He said Phulbari contains high-quality coal, but stressed that any decision would consider its potential impact on local communities, agricultural land and the environment.
The government would ensure proper resettlement of affected residents and take steps to protect their livelihoods, he said.
Tarique said any decision on open-pit mining would be taken only after a comprehensive review of social, economic and environmental concerns.
