Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus ordered officials to place solar panels on all government building rooftops. He made this announcement during a National Rooftop Solar Programme meeting at State Guest House Jamuna. The country wants to boost renewable energy production through this new plan. Officials will target government offices, schools, colleges, religious schools and hospitals for the solar installations. This program can start quickly compared to other energy projects.
Bangladesh produces far less solar energy than its neighbors according to international reports. India generates 24 percent of its electricity from solar power. Pakistan creates 17.16 percent from solar sources and Sri Lanka produces 39.7 percent. Bangladesh only makes 5.6 percent of its total electricity demand from solar energy. The country needs to catch up with regional solar energy leaders.
The government set ambitious renewable energy goals for the coming years. Officials want 20 percent of total power demand from renewable sources before 2030. They plan to reach 30 percent renewable energy production before 2040. The tender process has started for 55 ground-based solar plants with 5,238 megawatt capacity. These large projects will take until 2028 to complete construction.
Yunus suggested private companies could handle the rooftop installations and maintenance. Government buildings would provide roof space for the solar panels. Private firms would manage operations and upkeep for their business profits. Schools and hospitals would avoid paying electricity bills under this arrangement. The institutions would receive rental payments for allowing solar panel placement on their rooftops.
Bangladesh produces far less solar energy than its neighbors according to international reports. India generates 24 percent of its electricity from solar power. Pakistan creates 17.16 percent from solar sources and Sri Lanka produces 39.7 percent. Bangladesh only makes 5.6 percent of its total electricity demand from solar energy. The country needs to catch up with regional solar energy leaders.
The government set ambitious renewable energy goals for the coming years. Officials want 20 percent of total power demand from renewable sources before 2030. They plan to reach 30 percent renewable energy production before 2040. The tender process has started for 55 ground-based solar plants with 5,238 megawatt capacity. These large projects will take until 2028 to complete construction.
Yunus suggested private companies could handle the rooftop installations and maintenance. Government buildings would provide roof space for the solar panels. Private firms would manage operations and upkeep for their business profits. Schools and hospitals would avoid paying electricity bills under this arrangement. The institutions would receive rental payments for allowing solar panel placement on their rooftops.
