We applaud Sarishabari Sales and Distribution Division of Power Development Board (PDB) for adopting the on-grid solar plant as an alternate means of producing electricity. According to a report by this newspaper, the environment friendly power plant has contributed to reduce load-shedding from 7-8 hours to roughly 2 hours per day in an area with more than 17,000 consumers. This model should be replicated in other parts of the country where local power distribution departments are struggling to meet demands.

The case for solar power plants, a renewable source of power, is simple. They are far less harmful, and not costlier, than conventional fossil-fuelled power plants. In many countries around the world, the amount of electricity produced by photovoltaic solar plants occupies a considerable percentage of their entire power generation. Germany, for example, plans to use nothing but renewable energy by 2050.

While that may be an ambitious, if not fanciful goal for us, we can at least install more such solar power plants to supplement the national electricity generation.

So far the way to meet the increasing electric energy consumption has been through expensive sources such as nuclear and coal-powered plants or quick rentals. But, renewable sources of power such as solar plants and wind power can really help ease the electricity shortage while keeping the environment safe. The government should install solar panels on rooftops of public buildings and in khas lands. In addition, it may initiate campaigns to encourage people to install photovoltaic systems in their homes which would not only reduce their individual electricity cost but also the pressure on the national grid.