Solar energy use in agriculture rising gradually: Nasrul

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has said the use of solar energy in agriculture is increasing gradually in the country as an initiative has been taken to replace diesel-run irrigation pumps with solar pumps.

He was addressing a discussion titled "Scaling Up Solar Irrigation in Bangladesh" in Dubai, according to a press release received Monday.

Nasrul said solar mini-grids, floating solar power, solar rooftop installation, solar Agro photovoltaics (AgroPV), solar irrigation, wind power and hydropower have been making Bangladesh's renewable energy portfolio a diverse one.

He said Bangladesh needs & 1.8 billion to install 45,000 solar pumps by 2031 as now Bangladesh has the capacity to generate 1200 megawatts of electricity from renewable energy sources while the country is expected to achieve 5000 power generation capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030.

Energy expert Siddiq Jobayer moderated the discussion while joint secretary Nirodh Chandra Mondal chaired it.

ADB country director (admin) Edimon Ginting and Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), Dhaka's chief executive officer Alamgir Morshed also spoke.

/KN/