ZCZC
BSS-40
NASRUL-POWER-DEVELOPMENT (With Pic)
Govt developing power sector in planned manner: Nasrul
DHAKA, June 24, 2020 (BSS) – State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid today said the government is developing the power sector in a planned way.
“Development works of the power sector are being implemented following the master plan as the Power System Master Plan (PSMP) 2016 has been prepared reviewing the PSMP 2010,” he said addressing a video conference from his residence.
Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) organised the virtual dialogue titled “Review of Covid-19 and Budget 2020-21: Priorities for Power Distribution and Alternative Proposals” with Professor Rehman Sobhan in the chair.
Research Director of CPD Khandaker Golam Moazzem presented the keynote paper, while Executive Director Dr Fahmida Khatun moderated the dialogue.
Nasrul said fuel mix, production, transmission and distribution systems have been further streamlined, adding the government is providing support for further expansion of renewable energy and 58 lakh home solar systems have been added to boost renewal power energy.
“Connections are also being made through mini-grid. Apart from this, net metering system has been introduced. Moreover, incentives can also be given if needed,” he said.
The state minister informed that around 350 acres of non-agricultural land is needed to build a 100 MW solar power plant, which is very difficult to get in the country.
He, during the discussion, said that the power division has been working to ensure uninterrupted, reliable and quality power at reasonable and affordable prices putting emphasis on efficiency and transparency.
“If we increase use of technology then transparency will also be enhanced. Efforts are on to increase use of technology at all levels. There are some complaints about bill but if we use a smart meter, it will not happen. Complaints will be resolved appropriately,” Nasrul added.
Regarding regional, sub-regional power trade, the state minister said, “We can use Nepal’s hydropower in summer and on the other hand, power could be exported during winter due to high demand for electricity in Nepal or Bhutan, from which the both countries can get benefit.
Emphasizing on increasing the number of electric vehicles, he said efficiency of electric engines is much higher than that of oil-run engines, adding, “So it is profitable to use electric vehicles.”
Director General of Power Cell Engineer Mohammad Hossain, energy expert Professor M Tamim, former power secretary Dr Md Fauzul Kabir Khan, former member of SREDA Siddique Jobair and president of Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association Imran Karim spoke as panelists.
BSS/ASG/SAS/RY/1905 hrs