The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The government will introduce solar home system (SHS) in all the public buildings in future to as a part of government's promotion of the use of renewable energy.

Prime Minister's Adviser Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury Bir Bikram told the reporters about the government's recent decision in this regard at a workshop yesterday.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) organised the 'national workshop on Go Green Series on Energy Saving = Cost Saving', in association with GTZ (German Technical Cooperation). Prof Ijaz Hossain of BUET and DCCI President Zafar Osman also spoke at the seminar held at the DCCI auditorium. GTZ energy expert Michael John Birks made a presentation on energy efficiency in industries.

Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi said that the government decision about the solar energy use was takes recently at the ECNEC meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the chair.

Besides, all the new public buildings will also make arrangements for rainwater harvesting considering the water crisis.

"Primarily, solar panel is a costly system, but in the long run it will be cost effective," he said.

He urged all the private sector businesses to do the same in order to enhance the use of renewable energy as alternative source of electricity.

About the rainwater harvesting system, he said this will meet the water requirement in future.

Responding to the PM's Adviser's call, Dhaka Chamber president Zafar Osman said that the private sector would take the move to introduce energy efficiency and conservation system to save electricity consumption.

The PM's Adviser reiterated the government plan to distribute over one crore energy saving compact florescent light (CFL) in February next year as part of electricity saving measures.

Emphasising on the use of efficient and energy saving technology in industrial units, he said the government has undertaken a policy to promote energy conservation moves.

As part of the strategy, Dr. Tawfiq said, the Sustainable Energy Development Agency (SEDA), an independent institution established under the Power ministry, will be activated.

SEDA was launched to promote 'sustainable energy' comprising renewable energy and energy efficiency. The main objective of SEDA was to promote awareness about renewable energy and other clean energy technologies and integrate their development within overall national energy policy and development.

The PM's Adviser said the government has also initiated move to enhance gas production from the existing gas fields through different projects. "We hope this will shortly enhance gas production by 200-300 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD)."

Blaming the Western world for global warming, he said that now the poor countries like Bangladesh have fallen victims of their misdeeds.

On the sideline of the seminar, Power Development Board (PDB) chairman ASM Alamgir Kabir told reporters that they have moved to install solar panel system in the Prime Minister's Office within the next two months.