Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury announced that converting the country’s irrigation pumps to renewable energy could potentially save 5,000 megawatts of electricity.
As the chief guest at the 2nd Dhaka Renewable Energy Finance Seminar, organized by Change Initiative at the Bangabandhu Military Museum in the capital, on Saturday, Chowdhury emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing renewable energy production and usage to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
Chowdhury highlighted that as part of its strategy to implement a green, clean, and climate-resilient economy, the government is working to reduce dependence on coal for electricity generation and encourage using renewable energy sources. Due to land constraints, innovative solutions such as floating solar panels on ponds and water bodies, which allow for fish farming underneath, and installing solar panels on rooftops, are being explored.
The minister stressed the potential savings from converting irrigation pumps to renewable energy. “This initiative alone could save 5,000 megawatts of electricity,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of private sector investment in renewable energy projects. “We are encouraging the private sector to invest in renewable energy projects. The government has set a target to produce 40 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2041. This goal is crucial for ensuring energy security, fostering economic growth, and achieving environmental sustainability,” Chowdhury added.
The seminar brought together various stakeholders to discuss financing strategies for renewable energy projects, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to transition to sustainable energy solutions.
