The need for solar power on a steady decline
While it is surely commendable that electricity connections in off-grid areas by public agencies have increased, it is a matter of concern that the demand for solar energy (cleaner energy) has dropped quiet significantly, especially over the last two years. According to a report published in this daily, this was the second straight year that the solar energy installation slowed down since it reached its peak of 57.75 megawatt in 2017. Solar home systems (SHS) now amount to approximately 60 lakh. However, with the government's plan to ensure electricity for all by March 2021, the need for solar power is losing momentum. The report further states that people get electricity at lower prices from the power grid than what they got from solar grids. As a result, more and more users are opting out from the latter.
It is ironic that at a time when the world is in the process of harnessing the full potential of renewable energy in order to ensure long-term energy security as well as sustainable economic development, Bangladesh is taking a step backward, especially proceeding with the implementation of nuclear and coal-based power plants across the nation, all of which will cause irreparable damage to our ecology.
With fossil fuels depleting, there is no option but to turn to renewable energy. According to Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), it plans to achieve 2000 megawatt of electricity from renewable energy by 2021—10 percent of total power generation. If such goals are to be met safely, we need to develop a solid base for renewable energy so that it can cut risks of higher power generation costs resulting from the rise in prices of fossil fuels. With the lack of land to set up solar panels, the concerned authorities need to encourage more people to install solar panels on rooftops of residential, commercial and industrial buildings and enable designated operators to supply excess electricity to the national grid at certain tariffs. Solar-powered pumps can replace diesel-run ones to irrigate crops in the major farmlands across Bangladesh as well. Developing solar energy and ensuring its widespread use would be in alignment with Bangladesh's commitment to achieving one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is to achieve affordable and clean energy.
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