State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid on Thursday said that programs are underway to generate 40,000 megawatts of electricity by 2030 and 60,000 megawatts by 2041. It is worth mentioning that at present, the country's total power generation capacity is 27,361 megawatts, including captive and renewable energy sources.
We appreciate the efforts of the government to supply electricity to every corner of the country. The government over the last ten years has developed the country’s power sector in a planned way addressing it as one of the most essential sectors for sustainable development of the country.
Under the current government’s leadership, Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in power generation and many internationally renowned companies have already invested in the country’s power and energy sector. More and more regions which were previously isolated have been connected to the electricity grid. The government of late has achieved a milestone bringing 100 per cent of the population under electricity coverage.
Indeed the present scenario of power in the capital reflects the country’s massive progress in power generation. Before 2009, reportedly a total of 27 power plants were constructed in the country whereas 101 plants were constructed in last ten years. The government also constructed more than three thousand circuit kilometres transmission line to ensure uninterrupted power supply to people.
Focus should be given on
formulating new policies to increase
the production and consumption
of renewable energy to ensure
environment-friendly energy production
Though Bangladesh has made impressive strides in the power sector in the last decade. still there is a number of challenges that must be addressed prudently. The big challenge is to supply uninterrupted electricity at specific voltage. Still the problems of power outages, low-voltage and load-shedding persist in some areas due to limitations in power transmission and distribution systems.
Power situation has improved in big cities including Dhaka but load shedding is happening in District, Upazila and village areas due to limitation of transmission and distribution system. Hence, focus should be given on improving the power distribution and transmission system in villages. Also, necessary steps should be taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply at affordable prices.
In order make to the country self-reliant in power generation, it will be important to keep the pace of development in power sector unhindered. Use of renewable energy in Bangladesh has been negligible over the last few years. Reportedly, renewable energy contributes approximately 4 per cent to the country's national energy power mix.
Therefore, focus should be given on formulating new policies to increase the production and consumption of renewable energy to ensure environment-friendly energy production.
