Bangladesh is working toward a target of producing 10,000 megawatts of solar power as part of efforts to address electricity and energy shortages, Commerce, Industries, Jute and Textiles Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said on Saturday. He made the remarks in Sylhet after inaugurating a display and sales centre set up by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation at Osmani International Airport.

The minister said expanding solar use is necessary for a sustainable solution to power and fuel constraints in industry. Bangladesh can make optimal use of solar energy for about three and a half to four hours daily, he said. Adding storage capacity could allow electricity generated during the day to be used during evening peak hours. He said meeting the 10,000-megawatt target would substantially reduce load-shedding in industry and facilitate more reliable electricity supplies to factories.

The government is also preparing a framework for industrial plots to use rice husk and coal alongside gas as alternative fuels. Muktadir said reducing energy disruptions to industrial production is a priority and that alternative energy could lower pressure on the power sector and dependence on fossil fuels. He also said the CMSME sector contributes about 34 percent to the national economy, with a government target of raising that share to 50 percent.