Solar power lights up Bangladesh Prime Minister’s office

• 15 years ago (2010-04-02)
• David Flin

North America 1070 Renewables 815

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The Bangladeshi government has installed a solar panel system on the rooftop of its Prime Minister’s office in the capital Dhaka in a bid to encourage green energy in a country feeling extreme electricity scarcity. As part of the inauguration of the system, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina switched over to the solar-powered lighting at her office.

Earlier, the Central Bank of Bangladesh installed a solar panel system on the top of its main building as part of its efforts to inspire financial institutions to use renewable energy. The bank set up a $29 million loan refinance scheme for renewable power and clean water projects in a bid to curb pollution and boost the generation of renewable electricity. According to Power Division officials in the government, renewable energy contributes less than 1 per cent to total power generation in Bangladesh, a nation of around 162 million, of whom only around 45 per cent have access to electricity.

The country’s 44 power plants currently generate around 3800MW, against a peak demand of 5300MW.