State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Wednesday expressed hope that Bangladesh will be able to generate 3,000-4,000 megawatts of solar power before next summer, citing growing public interest in solar energy.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after inaugurating a solar power system at the Jashore district BNP office, according to a PID handout.
Amit said a 6-kilowatt solar panel system was installed at the party office in line with the Prime Minister’s policy on solar power generation.
The system was installed with the office’s own funds, and arrangements have been made to supply surplus electricity to the national grid after meeting its own needs.
The state minister said the installation cost was expected to be recovered within three to three-and-a-half years.
He also expressed hope that the initiative will encourage other political parties to install solar panels at their respective offices.
Amit said the government is providing policy support following growing public interest in solar power, creating opportunities for small entrepreneurs and generating new employment.
He added that irrigation pumps will gradually be converted to solar power, which will ease pressure on diesel and electricity supplies and reduce farmers’ production costs.
Local leaders BNP and its associate bodies were present at the programme.