Bangladesh explores solar-energy options

Bangladesh is struggling to generate the electricity needed to meet the demand of its 150 million people. Most Bangladeshis are not even connected to the national grid. Those who are, suffer from long and frequent power outages. Recently several suburbs of in the city of Chittagong went without electricity for four consecutive days. Local residents stormed the power supply building in protest. According to government calculations, the country needs 6750 megawatts (MW) of electricity to meet the current energy demand but it can only supply 5500MW. The shortfall means they are looking for alternative solutions. Authorities in Dhaka are now beginning to use solar energy. The panels are set to control traffic lights. Authorities say the system will reduce traffic jams and well-lit streets will protect people from getting mugged. But as Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque reports from the Bangladesh capital, keeping residents safe and happy is expensive: each panel costs 00 to install. Plans are underway to expand the project and make 10 per cent of Bangladesh’s power supply green and renewable by 2020.

10 thoughts on “Bangladesh explores solar-energy options”

  1. Well considering that Mist of Bangladesh does NOT have direct legal access to the National Grid. They should go with Solar Powered Electricity. The Monsoon season will be a problem, due to a lack of sunshine. Parts of eastern India have two monsoon seasons. South Central India has good Insolation potential. Most of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recieve good amounts of Sunshine.

  2. Bengal, Bangladesh, Assam, and must of Eastern India receives relatively little direct sunshine. This is the most rainy part of the world after all. Google an ‘Insolation Map’ of South Asia. Southern two thirds of Pakistan and Western half of Rajisthan get plenty of Sunshine. These areas would be prime candidates for Solar Panels.

  3. man i’ve lived near dhaka for months… they need this badly!!! no one obays traffic laws thanks to power outtages… people just drive on whatever side of the road they want

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