Five solar panels with a capacity of 25 KW were set up on the roof and pond complex of the institute in 2017 to produce energy, SRI chief scientist Dr Khan Kamal Uddin told UNB.

After successful installation of the panels, those started producing energy from October 16 this year, he said adding, “The solar energy generated here is not only meeting the demand of the institute but also being supplied to the national grid.”

Asian Development Bank (ADB) provided the financial assistance at the beginning to set up the solar panels. Later, the energy is being supplied to the national grid with assistance from Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and German donor agencies GIZ through net metering system, said Dr Khan.

Everyday some 100 to 110 MW of solar power is generated from the panels, he said.

“The shrimp enclosures in other parts of the country may follow this technique of power generation as this system doesn’t affect the production. It rather helps save money,” the scientist added.

There are shrimp enclosures on 2.75 lakh hectares of land in various parts of the country and energy can be produced by setting up solar panels in 45 percent areas of the enclosures.

Palash Kumar Ghosh, executive engineer at Bagerhat West Zone Power Distribution Company, said the demand for energy in the country can be met up by setting up such panels across the country.

The shrimp research institute is setting up solar panels in the district, involving Tk 22.68 crore.