Jashore Correspondent //

Anindya Islam Amit, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, has stated that the government aims to generate 10,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar panels by 2030.

He remarked that the government views the solar power sector—specifically solar panels—as a highly promising and strategic area for ensuring the security of the country’s energy sector.

He made these remarks on Friday (September 4) afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the ‘Solar Electrical System Installation and Maintenance Lab’ and a ‘Training of Trainers’ program on the installation and maintenance of solar electrical systems, organized by the Jashore Technical Training Center.

Anindya Islam Amit noted that the government is currently placing the utmost emphasis on renewable energy to tackle domestic gas shortages and mitigate the impact of fluctuating global energy prices.

He mentioned that the government has announced it will purchase electricity supplied to the grid from rooftop solar installations at a rate of Tk 10.50 per unit. This creates an opportunity for a profit margin of up to 45 percent, given that the average production cost is Tk 6–7 per unit. Furthermore, essential components for solar installations—such as solar panels, inverters, and batteries—have been exempted from all applicable customs duties, regulatory duties, supplementary duties, and advance taxes, as well as additional advance income tax.

Regarding the installation of rooftop solar systems, the State Minister stated that the government has initiated a program to install these systems on the roofs of key buildings, including government offices, educational institutions, and hospitals; a guideline has already been prepared for its implementation.

Anindya Islam Amit added that the government has pledged to generate 3,000 MW of electricity from renewable sources before the coming summer and has announced the availability of loans on easy terms for solar panel installations. The government aims to ensure employment by developing a skilled workforce for this sector. Later, he inspected the 7-kilowatt solar panels installed on the institution’s rooftop.

When the institution’s Principal, Gazi Iffat Mahmud, requested solar panels to meet the facility’s electricity needs, the State Minister announced that the request would be fulfilled.

The event was presided over by Sujan Sarkar, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General). Delwar Hossain Khan Khokon, the District Council Administrator, was also present.

Subsequently, State Minister Anindya Islam Amit distributed sports equipment to various educational and sports institutions, an initiative organized by the Sadar Upazila administration. He provided sports gear to 78 institutions on this occasion.

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