Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood has said the government is focusing on exploring domestic gas, utilizing gas from Bhola, importing gas from Malaysia, and increasing solar power generation to tackle the current crisis in the power and energy sectors. Speaking as the chief guest at Parallel Session 4 of the national conference titled 'Navigating Five Year Strategy for Achieving SDGs', Mahmood noted that the country's low gas production has increased dependence on imported gas for power generation, leading to expensive liquid-fuel-based power plants and increased costs. He mentioned an initiative to supply gas from Bhola in containers to Dhaka and industrial areas to address the gas shortage. Additionally, discussions have been held with a Malaysian company to import gas, though it may take around two years to manufacture and supply custom-made containers.
Mahmood also highlighted the government's emphasis on solar power to reduce fuel import costs. The target is to generate 10,000 megawatts of solar power over the next five years. To achieve this, the renewable energy policy has been made investment-friendly, and various incentives have been provided. An initiative to offer rebates on holding tax to expand rooftop solar has also been introduced. The minister mentioned plans to establish large-scale battery storage systems to overcome solar power limitations.
The minister urged consumers to prevent electricity wastage and emphasized the use of prepaid meters to save electricity, reduce irregularities in meter reading, and bill reconciliation. He called on officials to protest against any future government decisions that go against public interest.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, present as a special guest, stressed the need for increased investment in renewable energy, clean energy, and environment-friendly infrastructure to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, clean cities, efficient waste management, renewable energy, sustainable transport, and ecosystem restoration. Mintoo emphasized the need for coordination among different ministries and departments to implement the SDGs effectively.
The conference, held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, saw the presentation of plans and progress of various ministries regarding the SDG goals. The event underscored the critical role of coordinated efforts among the government, private sector, research institutions, development partners, local governments, and the public in achieving the SDGs.
