ACHIEVEMENTS OF A PILOT SOLAR POWERED IRRIGATION PROJECT IN BANGLADESH

Abstract: Bangladesh is a country of 160 million people where solar powered irrigation systems have proven to be a viable alternative among other renewable energy sources. The flat terrain and abundant sunshine are the two main factors behind the increasing demand for solar powered systems in this region. In the traditional irrigation system diesel engines or the electricity from the main grid is usually used both of these methods are not friendly to the environment. The use of solar energy to pump ground water is a indigenous low cost solution that is helping the farmers of this middle income country immensely. On the other hand proper regulations should be implemented to regulate the use of water resources in order to avoid depletion of ground water resources. the pilot project also aims to supply the unused electricity during the off peak season to the national grid.

Keywords: Solar powered irrigation systems, renewable energy, sustainable development