The government will welcome proposals to set up solar power plants on wetlands and Haor to meet the target of generating 40 per cent of the total electricity using renewable energy by 2041.
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Md Shahab Uddin on Sunday made the comment while addressing a discussion with a delegation of ELERIS Energy for Asia led by David Taylor, President of ELERIS Energy Global, on the construction of a 200-megawatt solar power plant under construction at Sonadia Island.
“The government will welcome the proposal to set up solar power plants on non-agricultural wetlands like Hakaluki Haor to curb environmental pollution,” the minister said.
During the meeting, David Taylor said his company is working to build two 200MW power plants at Sonadia Island and Bashkhali in Chattogram, and if all goes well, the two power plants will be able to generate 1000MW of electricity gradually.
He, therefore, sought the assistance of environment minister to assist in conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the construction of these two solar power plants, they have plans to build more such solar power plants in coastal areas where strong sunshine is available, according to an environment ministry statement.
The environment minister said the government would welcome any proposal to build a solar power plant in non-agricultural areas rich in wetlands, including Hakaluki Haor, as the coastal area is prone to disasters.
Among others, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ziaul Hasan, Additional Secretary (Development) Ahmed Shamim Al Razi, ELERIS Energy for Asia Chief Operating Officer Jerry Price, and Country Director Zakir Hossain Khan were also present on the occasion.
