Bangladesh seeks IRENA’s support to explore renewable energy potential  

Bangladesh has sought IRENA's technical and financial support in undertaking the feasibility study and mapping of the renewable energy potentials in Bangladesh.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed the issue during a meeting with Francesco La Camera, Director General of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Dr Momen mentioned offshore wind resource assessment with detailed feasibility study and pilot project on Solar-Wind-Storage Hybrid Power System in Bhasan Char Island where a large number of Rohingyas have been relocated.

He also mentioned the Grid Modernization Strategy and Storage roadmap for Bangladesh to integrate large scale Variable Renewable Energy, reports UNB.

Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh's all out support to encourage innovative and affordable application of renewable technologies.

Appreciating the remarkable works done by IRENA under the leadership of the Director General in advancing the renewable energy agenda, the Foreign Minister expressed Bangladesh's full support to IRENA and its works with a view to encouraging innovative and affordable application of renewable technologies.

"Bangladesh has been closely working with IRENA and is fully engaged in IRENA's activities," he noted.

Bangladesh was elected as one of Vice-Presidents in the twelfth session of the Assembly that held in mid-January in 2022 and is also working as facilitator for election/nomination of the Council Members for the next IRENA Council 2023-2024.

Bangladesh also served in the Credential Committee for the past two consecutive Assemblies.

Dr Momen highlighted the achievements of Bangladesh in the area of Renewable Energy.

At the COP 26 in Glasgow, being current chair of Climate Vulnerability Forum (CVF) and Vulnerable Twenty Group (V20) Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced her vision to develop up to 40% clean energy by 2041 and to gradual reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by way of NDCs, he said.

Bangladesh along with other 49 countries made a commitment to developing climate resilient and low-carbon health systems at COP26, said the Foreign Minister.

He requested the Director General of IRENA for facilitating employment opportunities for Bangladeshi nationals at different capacities in the IRENA secretariat.

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the very constructive meeting.

The Foreign Minister extended an invitation to the Director General to visit Bangladesh in line with his participation in next month's golden jubilee celebration of the independence of Bangladesh.