Solar power installation, energy-saving measures recommended at JS

The recommendations came at the second meeting of the committee formed to assess the feasibility of installing solar panels, ensure efficient use of electricity and modernise energy management at the Parliament complex.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal, MP, who heads the committee, chaired the meeting at the JS Bhaban.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, lawmakers Md Ashraf Uddin, Lutfullahel Mazed, Md Saiful Alam and Mardia Mumtaz attended the meeting as committee members.

A three-dimensional (3D) presentation on the proposed solar panel installation at the Parliament Secretariat was shown at the meeting, said a press release of parliament secretariat.

The participants discussed the overall electricity demand of the Parliament Secretariat, the operational capacity of its central air-conditioning system, natural airflow in different parts of the building and the availability of unused and vacant spaces suitable for installing solar panels.

They also emphasised determining the appropriate capacity of the solar power system in line with electricity demand and technical capacity, as well as preparing a future implementation plan.

To prevent electricity wastage, the committee recommended raising public awareness and bringing all lights and lighting fixtures in the Parliament building under sensor-based systems.

It also recommended ensuring accountability among concerned officials and taking departmental action in cases of electricity wastage.

The committee further recommended installing sub-meters or prepaid meters to ensure proper collection of electricity bills from the Sonali Bank Limited branch located within the Parliament complex and residential areas.

The meeting also stressed the energy-efficient operation of the air-conditioning system at the Parliament mosque. It recommended switching on the mosque's air conditioners one hour before prayer during parliamentary sessions and 30 minutes before prayer at other times.

The meeting decided to verify the allocation and contractual documents concerning the playground in the Parliament area, which the Ministry of Social Welfare allocated for use by persons with disabilities, and submit a report on the matter.

It also decided to prepare a comprehensive Development Project Proposal (DPP) through the Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) for introducing a solar power system and place it at the next meeting.

Parliament Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, an additional secretary of the Power Division, representatives of DPDC, officials of the Public Works Department and concerned officials of the Parliament Secretariat attended the meeting, reports BSS.