Renewable energy is the future

Scientists and environmentalists yesterday urged the government to move towards renewable energy, especially solar and wind power, as it is the only solution to electricity in future.

All reserve of fossil fuel, such as gas, oil and coal, which are the key ingredients for conventional power generation, will run out in the next few decades, they said.

Therefore, most of the countries -- including the US, Germany and India -- are moving towards the renewable solution, and they are doing it successfully. Bangladesh should follow their path, they added.

The experts made the remarks at a seminar organised by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (Bapa), National Committee to Protect the Sundarbans and Blue Planet Initiative at Dhaka's Jatiya Press Club.

Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. It often provides energy in four important areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services.

Author and noted renewable energy expert Sajed Kamal said renewable energy revolution is gaining ground across the world due to the imminent fossil fuel crisis and environmental hazards of the conventional energy production.

“Some countries, such as Germany, Denmark and Sweden, have even set their goals of becoming 100 percent renewable energy powered nations by 2050 -- a trend that other countries are starting to follow,” he said.

Bangladesh has a good future in solar power generation as the country can use its land to produce food and power simultaneously. If it can be done, the land will be used properly, added Sajed, a former teacher at Boston University.

He said the global energy scenario is undergoing a rapid transition -- towards the renewable energy with growing opportunities and advantages, like plummeting costs, efficiency, durability and environmental stewardship.

Dhaka University Prof Badrul Imam said the government has set a goal to produce 10 percent of its total electricity from solar power within 2021, but the current production is only around 2 percent, which is frustrating.

Eminent rights activist and environmentalist Sultana Kamal said for setting up solar panels, land should not be an issue as those can be placed anywhere and at any angle, like on rooftops or walls.

“It's a matter of political goodwill. If we consider public interest, expanding use of renewable energy is a must,” she said.

Noted economist MM Akash, also a DU professor, said the government should give highest priority to solar power generation.

Eminent educationist and Bapa President Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, DU Prof Saiful Huque and Bapa General Secretary Abdul Matin also spoke at the seminar.