State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasral Hamid on Thursday said that a year-wise roadmap has been drawn up to implement the government’s renewable energy policy.

He made the remarks while speaking at a webinar titled: “The International Forum for Energy Transition 2021” aimed at paving the way for carbon neutrality and green development

He noted that Bangladesh has been the champion country in the world by installing six million solar home systems to bring 20 million people within the electricity access in the off-grid areas. 

State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) jointly organised the online seminar which was moderated by SGCC executive vice president Pang Xiaogang.

He said the government has taken initiative to install rooftop solar panels in all educational institutions to increase solar power.

Also read: Uninterrupted affordable energy main challenge in future: Nasrul Hamid

Nasrul Hamid said charging and operating guidelines was prepared to promote the electric vehicle (EV) across the country.

“With the help of JICA, now we have been working on preparing an integrated master plan for energy and power sectors to encourage the zero carbon emissions”, he said adding that the new master plan will discourage the use of fossil fuel and promote the use of renewable energy.   

The state minister informed that the government has already cancelled 10 coal-fired power plants with a combined capacity of 8451 MW as part of its move for promoting green energy.

“Bangladesh is committed to increasing the use of green and clean energy”, he added.

Bangladesh will carry out its development plans by ensuring rationality between socio-economic development and environmental protection.

Egyptian minister for power and renewable energy Dr. Mohamed Shakar El Markaby, UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Sustainable Energy Damilola Ogunbiyi, Secretary General of the World Energy Council Dr. Angela Wilkinson and Executive Chairman of the State Grid Corporation for China Xin Baoan also spoke on the occasion.