Solar energy powers 20 million people in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has the largest off-grid solar power programme in the world_ which offers experiences and lessons for other countries for expanding access to clean and affordable electricity. By harnessing solar power_ the programme enabled 20 million Bangladeshis to access electricity_ World Bank said it on Thursday.

The global lender_ which is supporting Bangladesh to implement the programme_ said it in a launching ceremony of a book titled  Living in the Light-The Bangladesh Solar Home System Story.

Starting from 2003 as a 50_000 household pilot_ the programme at its peak_ has already provided electricity to approximately 16 percent of the rural population in the country_ said the World Bank.

 Bangladesh is known for its innovative development approaches. In remote and hard to reach areas_ the government successfully introduced affordable off-grid renewable energy solutions through a public-private partnership. Clean electricity meant better health and living conditions for families and more study time for children_ said Mercy Tembon_ the WB country director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.

 Our partnership with the government for this programme spans nearly two decades and now our support has expanded to include other renewable energy options_ she said.

Successive financing through the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Development (RERED) Project_ the WB supported the Infrastructure Development Company Ltd (IDCOL) to implement the programme. IDCOL combined its expertise in infrastructure financing with Bangladesh s pioneering work in micro-financing and private sector solar electrification initiatives to build a scalable off-grid electrification business model.

 Our government is committed to driving up renewable energy and has a host of incentives such as tax breaks on offer to drive net-metered solar rooftop installation_ said Nasrul Hamid_ state minister_ for power_ energy and mineral resources_ who attended the programme as chief guest.

Between 2003 and 2018_ the project reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 9.6 million tonnes of CO2.

The programme helped reduce indoor air pollution by avoiding the consumption of 4.4 billion liters of kerosene.

 The RERED I and II projects promoted a sustainable market-driven approach where clean energy solutions were provided by local entrepreneurs with financing from IDCOL.

Around 58 non-government organisations supplied and installed the solar home systems made affordable with micro-loans_ said Amit Jain_ senior energy specialist of the WB and a coauthor of the report.

Building on the success of the programme_ the WB extended support to scale up other clean renewable energy options including solar irrigation_ solar mini-grids_ rooftop solar and solar farms.

The World Bank financing in two consecutive RERED projects stands at $726 million.