Rajshahi Launches Green Energy Drive to Combat Power Shortages
Rajshahi, a historic city in northwestern Bangladesh, has embarked on an ambitious green energy initiative aimed at alleviating chronic power shortages while promoting sustainable development, local officials announced on Tuesday. The project, spearheaded by the Rajshahi City Corporation in partnership with the Bangladesh Power Development Board, seeks to install solar panels on public buildings and introduce energy-efficient street lighting across the city's 30 wards.
The initiative comes as Bangladesh grapples with rising electricity demand, driven by rapid urbanization and industrial growth. Rajshahi, known for its silk industry and educational institutions, has faced frequent load-shedding during peak summer months, disrupting daily life and business operations. According to city mayor A.H.M. Khairuzzaman Liton, the green energy drive is expected to reduce the city's reliance on the national grid by 15% within two years, saving approximately 50 megawatts of power annually.
"We are transforming Rajshahi into a model for renewable energy adoption in Bangladesh," Liton said during a press conference at the Nagar Bhaban. "By harnessing solar power, we can ensure a stable electricity supply for our citizens and reduce our carbon footprint." The project includes installing rooftop solar systems on 50 government offices, schools, and hospitals, as well as replacing 10,000 conventional streetlights with LED units powered by photovoltaic panels.
Local residents have expressed cautious optimism about the plan. Md. Rafiqul Islam, a shopkeeper in the Shaheb Bazar area, noted that power outages have hurt his business, forcing him to rely on costly diesel generators. "If this project works, it will be a great relief for us," he said. "But we need to see consistent implementation, not just announcements."
The initiative has drawn support from international development agencies. The United Nations Development Programme has provided technical assistance, while the Asian Development Bank has pledged $20 million in funding, contingent on progress milestones. Experts say Rajshahi's move aligns with Bangladesh's broader commitment to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2041, as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
However, challenges remain. The city's aging power distribution network requires upgrades to handle the variable output from solar sources. Additionally, land scarcity in dense urban areas limits the installation of large-scale solar farms. To address this, the city corporation plans to utilize unused rooftops and convert vacant plots near the Padma River into solar parks.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the focus on renewables. "Rajshahi is setting an example for other Bangladeshi cities to follow," said Farzana Rahman, a climate researcher at the University of Rajshahi. "But we must ensure that the transition does not neglect communities that depend on fossil fuel industries." She urged the government to provide retraining programs for workers in coal and natural gas sectors.
The green energy drive is part of a larger urban development strategy for Rajshahi, which also includes improving waste management and expanding green spaces. City officials hope that these efforts will enhance the city's livability and attract investment. As Bangladesh hosts the upcoming International Solar Alliance summit in Dhaka next month, Rajshahi's initiative may serve as a case study for other developing nations seeking to balance energy security with environmental goals.
For now, the city's residents are watching closely. With construction set to begin in August, the project's success could determine whether Rajshahi emerges as a beacon of sustainable urban growth in South Asia.