As the Russia-Ukraine conflict pushed the global energy situation into a turmoil, there was hardly any alternative to the initiatives taken by the government to tackle the crisis, experts said.

Faced with energy crisis, Europe is at present shutting down lights and cold water for baths, the experts added to place emphasis on the situation.

Raising a question about why the projects had not been initiated earlier, Professor Dr M Tamim of Petroleum and Mineral Resources at BUET said: "If the projects were taken five years back, the impact of the global crisis could still not be averted. But, these initiatives will bring positive results in future."

He was addressing the "Let's Talk on Green Transition", a programme organised by Awami League's research wing CRI, at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) on Wednesday (August 3).

Asked if the LNG export at a high price is responsible for the crisis in the energy sector, he said, "For energy security, mixed source is vital. That's why, it is a right decision. The more options are there, the easier it is to decide."

After Russia had stopped its gas supply, Germany announced a 25 percent cut down on the amount of gas they distribute, said State minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, also a trustee of think tank CRI.

Everyone is on the lookout for an alternative, especially for winter and the same is about the UK, he said.

Hamid said Bangladesh witnessed load-shedding for 12 to 13 hours daily in 2009, whereas now it faces power outage for a couple of hours a day due to a temporary issue.

"It means that we overcame the initial crisis. In 2009, we started working on short, medium, and long-term plans in the electricity sector. Currently, we are pondering on another plan with the aid of Japan," the state minister said.

Hamid also said any organisation or house can save their total electricity cost by 20 percent by connecting its solar panel to the national grid.

"The solar panel you install in your house will produce electricity, which will be given to us. It will be make its way to the national grid. The cost for this amount of electricity will be deducted from your electricity bill. Thus, you can save 20 percent of your bill," he said.

Solar panel is cost-effective as 50 percent of the cost of the solar panels installed under personal initiatives was borne by the government, he added.

Hamid said different organsations are also offering loans for the rest 50 percent, so it can be installed at a low price.

Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Power and Energy and Mineral Resources Waseqa Ayesha Khan, Youth Environment and Social Development Society President Rebecca Sultana and Independent University Vice-chancellor Dr Tanvir Hasan also spoke at the event.

Speakers also said that the energy ministry is continuing its efforts to search for alternative sources such as wind and biogas.

They said the new technology that took a few decades to reach here now takes only a few months and that is why we are getting equipped to use that. More nuclear power plants and also some hydrogen plants may also join the league as the country is getting prepared to use those, they said.

Waseqa Ayesha Khan said the government is raising awareness on the use of solar panel as renewable energy.

"We've already undertaken the initiative of setting up charging stations for e-vehicles. It will be a paradigm shift. You will pay Tk 10 for the path, for which you previously paid Tk 80," Nasrul Hamid said, adding that public vehicles including buses, trains, and cars, will be prioritised in the policy of e-vehicle.

Asking not to worry about the waste management of the nuclear power plant, Dr Tamim said that those who would supply the fuel for the nuclear station would also take care of the waste. "That is how the contract is made. So don't worry."

Nasrul Hamid said: "The base amount of our total power production should be green based. That is the target we are working on. Currently, our base is 12,000 megawatts. It will be increased gradually."

He said August 9 is considered as a historic day for the sector of power and energy sector as Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman nationalised five gas fields by paying four billion pounds in 1975.

That visionary move has made a contribution worth more than 400 billion pounds and is still doing so, he mentioned.

Let's Talk is a programme organised by CRI since 2014 to connect youths with the country's policymakers so that their ideas and thoughts can create an impact.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ICT Advisor Sajeeb Wazed Joy graced the event with his presence several times. In 2018, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina interacted with youths through "Let's Talk".