Generating Power and Excitement at Panigram

I’ve spent the better part of the last few weeks meeting with parties involved in renewable energy system implementation here in Bangladesh. As mentioned before, the front-runners in terms of power sources are solar and biogas power. A good deal of interest is brewing in the power systems of Panigram resort among various energy providers in Dhaka, and work is underway in getting the feasibility of several means assessed.

German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Bangladesh, has shown heavy interest in the resort concept and has pledged to provide its resources to the power planning initiative of Panigram. Local biogas expert, Advance Biogas Technology, is also interested in exploring biogas options for Panigram. Advance Biogas Technology is a company that has already implemented numerous biogas plants in the greater Jessore area, and is looking forward to the implementation of a larger scale plant at Panigram. Over the next few weeks, we will be working closely to explore logistics and options, as well as to visit several operating biogas plants and sources of raw materials.

In addition, Grameen Shakti and SolarPac are two providers of Solar PV technology that are working on proposals for powering Panigram via the solar route. More providers will be explored in addition to these companies, including a few overseas options. At this stage, I’m more excited than ever to make my first visit to Jessore to see the actual Panigram site. Not only do I need to physically assess the environment and collect information on the local terrain and surrounding communities in order to move into more detailed planning of the power systems, but I also want to finally take in the beauty of the region that so many have been telling me of! Momentum is building on the side of power generation at Panigram, and exciting times lie ahead!