Efforts underway to increase solar power production: Nasrul

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said initiatives are underway to increase solar power production through multipurpose use of land. 

"Solar power generation can be increased by using of all unused land or water bodies or roof of buildings in the village as well as in the city," he said.

The state minister made the remarks while addressing a workshop on "Multipurpose use of land for renewable energy projects in Bangladesh" as the chief guest at Bidyut Bhaban here. 

He said it is necessary to undertake projects considering the context of Bangladesh, adding, "The net metering system is not moving expected way. Solar rooftop activities would have to strengthen further in DESCO, DPDC or NESCO areas."

Nasrul Hamid said that pilot projects on floating solar or multipurpose use of land can be undertaken in agricultural universities or other universities.

A feasibility study for multipurpose use of land for the renewable energy projects in Bangladesh was conducted by Indian firm Steag Energy Services in collaboration with Bangladesh's Technobin Engineering Services.

"One of the main goals of this project is to create a business model for agro-based renewable energy. One of the objectives of this feasibility study is to determine the best practice in agro-base solar projects in the country and abroad," he said.

Director General of Power Cell Engineer Mohammad Hossain moderated the programme, while Power Secretary Md Habibur Rahman spoke it, among others.