Wind Energy

Bangladesh Minister Stresses Low-cost Solar Energy

State minister for power, energy and mineral resources Muhammad Enamul Huq has suggested more investment in renewable energy to ensure low-cost power for the industries, especially for the apparel sector. “The local manufacturers of solar power should inflate their investment in research and development activities aiming to make such energy cheaper,” Huq told the inaugural of a three-day power equipment exposition in the capital on Thursday.

Organised by the Conference and Exhibition Management Services Ltd (CEMS) Bangladesh, the 6th Power Bangladesh 2011 International Expo is being held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. The fair aims at focusing on development of power generation and transmission, alternative power, solar power, energy and renewable energy in the country, according to the organiser.

The inaugural ceremony was addressed, among others, by Aftab Ul Islam, president of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), Meherun N Islam, president and group managing director of CEMS-Global USA and Asia-Pacific, Rezwanul Kabeer, director of Energypac Power Generation Ltd., Nazmul Haque, chief marketing officer of Bangla Trac Ltd., Imdad Haque, chairman of Priceclub General Trading Ltd., and Munawar Misbah Moin, managing director of Rahimafrooz Solar Ltd.

“As the government wants to ensure electricity for all by 2021, it considers harnessing power through alternative sources such as renewable energy,” Huq said, adding: “As per policy, the government has set a target that at least 5 per cent electricity of the total national power production in 2015 will come from renewable energy.”

“Although solar energy is expensive, we have to learn about its use,” the president of AmCham said. Aftab urged all banks to provide easy loans the solar power manufacturers to help make it such power cost-effective.

“This exhibition brings together all stakeholders in the power and energy industry under one roof and a significant leap can be taken in Bangladesh’s power and energy sector by close interaction among the exhibitors from over 18 countries,” Meherun said.The expo will be open for visitors from 10:30 am to 7:30 pm every day on registration at the expo venue.

www.energybangla.com