Experts at a virtual seminar stressed attaching importance to renewable energy (RE) for promoting green power in Bangladesh.
All together with central bank, financial institutions, and private sector have their active role to play in this regard so that access to sustainable finance can be ensured, they opined.
Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA)organised the event in collaboration with Bangladesh Bank, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), and the GIZ.
Planning Minister M A Mannan joined the event as chief guest with BSREA President Dipal C Barua in the chair.
General Manager of Bangladesh Bank Khondkar Morshed Millat presented a keynote paper in the seminar titled 'Access to Sustainable Finance for Green Energy' while it was moderated by former SREDA member Siddique Zobair.
Speaking as the chief guest Planning Minister said although developed countries are generating power from solar, offshore tidal and wind power, Bangladesh is still tied to coal and other fossil fuels including nuclear.
"It's time for us that we think in advance and try to adopt new technologies. That's very important," he said.
Many people say the neighbouring country is doing better in this case. Bangladesh can pick their formulae as learning from others is nothing wrong, he added.
Mr Mannan also suggested that the central bank should do whatever needed to promote green energy inline with the demand of time.
Speaking as the special guest, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank Abu Farah Md Nasser said the central bank will re-examine how the cost of loans for green energy can be minimised.
"Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to environmental pollution and climate change impacts," he said, adding, "Sustainable economic activities and clean business practice are the key elements that we must prioritise."
Rain Gan, Chairman of Chint Solar Bangladesh Co. Ltd. and Hua Cao, General Manager (GM) of Chint international business department also joined the webinar.
While speaking, Hua Cao praised the progress of Bangladesh in terms of expansion of the solar industry. He also assured of having an effective collaboration and cooperation with Bangladesh in this regard.
Rain, Chairman of Chint Solar Bangladesh Co. Ltd., while addressing, highlighted the advantages and strength of chint also shown interest to invest with local companies on solar PV industry.
Mentionable that the Chint is one of the top 300 companies in china.
SREDA chairman Mohammad Alauddin said the issue is there how the interest rate of loan or green energy can be lowered.
He stressed the need for building awareness among field-level bankers about the importance of financing the green energy.
Managing Director of Mutual Trust Bank Syed Mahbubur Rahman said considering the global climate and warming situation, green energy is very important compared to fossil fuel.
"The government is setting up industrial zones in different parts of the country. If we can integrate renewable energy as a part of project cost, we can finance," he said.
Bangladesh Bank executive director Nurun Nahar, deputy chief executive of Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) S M Monirul Islam, GIZ Programme Coordinator Al Mudabbir Bin Anam, and BSREA vice president Engr Nurul Aktar addressed the seminar among others.
