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Applications of Renewable Energy Technologies in Bangladesh

M. A. Zaman
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University,Mymensingh

Sabikunnahar
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University,Mymensingh

M. M. Rahman
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University,Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This paper presents the applications and status of the renewable energy technologies in Bangladesh. The information presented are taken from both primary and secondary sources. Technical aspects of solar home systems (SHS) and biogas plants were studied at the premises of the user farmers and financial analysis has been done based on collected data. various publications and from websites of the relevant agencies. About 38% of the Bangladeshi population has access to electricity. Nearly 75% of the population is rural and only about 30% of the rural households have access to grid electricity. The remote and isolated rural areas are not often feasible for conventional grid-based electrification due to high investment and running costs. To accomplish the GoB’s stated goal of providing universal electricity access by 2020, the GoB has encouraged implementing off-grid renewable energy technologies, such as solar home systems, biogas power and micro-wind power systems in coastal areas, and micro-hydro projects in the mountainous regions as a priority. R&D activities on RETs have started in 70s and gained momentum during the present decade. With financial supports from a number of donor agencies, several Govt and non-Govt organizations have gained appreciable expertise and business skills for installation and dissemination of RETs in off-grid remote areas. The use of solar PV systems for lighting and power; biogas for lighting, cooking and power generation; wind and water turbines for power generation have substantially improved the socio-economic conditions of the rural households and communities, enhanced business of small enterprises, improved health services of the rural clinics, improved education of the children, enhanced IT activities in rural areas and finally improved the lifestyle of the rural people. Financial analysis of the SHS and the biogas plant indicates that capital investment for these technologies is beneficial. Increasing price of kerosene, diesel and other conventional energy sources has made solar and biogas technology as attractive alternatives for many rural households.

Keywords: Renewable energy technology, Solar PV systems, Biogas, Wind power, Micro-hydro power

Location: Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Start Date: 00-00-2009

End Date: 00-00-2009

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Demonstration

Objectives:

1. The objectives of the present study were to review the available literature on RET potentials and applications in Bangladesh, to study the existing models or methods of RETs, to assess constraints or limitations in the applications of RETs and to make technical and financial analysis of some RETs being used in Bangladesh

Methodology:

Review work was done based on information on potentials, development and applications of various renewable energy technologies (RETs). The information was collected from secondary sources such as reports, publications and websites of the relevant organizations. Two sets of questionnaire, one for SHS and another for biogas plants, were prepared to collect primary information on these systems. Then the questionnaires were tested and verified by visiting a SHS and a biogas plant. The questionnaires were then finalized for data collection. Data on SHS and biogas technologies were collected in November, 2009. The users of these technologies were directly interviewed based on questionnaires. Data were tabulated for both technical and financial analysis. Seven SHSs at the premises of the user farmers at the village of Kashiar Char and five biogas plants at Chalakandi and Boira villages of Mymensingh Sadar Upazila under Mymensingh district were studied and data were collected based on a prepared questionnaire. Financial analysis was done later based on the financial data collected from the users. Financial analysis was done based on the internal rate of return (IRR). The internal rate of return (IRR) is a rate of return used in capital budgeting to measure and compare the profitability of investments. Generally the higher a project's internal rate of return, the more desirable it is to undertake the project. An investment is considered acceptable if its internal rate of return is greater than an established minimum acceptable rate.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 3(1): 71-83, 2010; ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Spectacular developments of RETs have taken place in Bangladesh during the last two decades. A number of GOs and NGOs have built their institutional capacities and business skills, which are essentially needed for further expansion of RETs. Clean electricity from solar PV, biogas, wind turbines and micro-hyydro turbines can bring substantial changes in the economic emancipation of the rural households as well as the development of rural industries and business enterprises. Providing electricity to rural households can help increase education rates and economic opportunities. RET development partners and service providers have already developed suitable financing schemes for RET adoption by the users.

Knowledge Management: Journal