Utilization of solar and biomass for rural electrification in Bangladesh

Electricity is a far-way dream for many families in developing countries rural area like Bangladesh. In Bangladesh nearly 75% of the population lives in rural areas and access to electricity in rural areas is only 22% Ensuring improved electricity supply is essential for socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. It has a direct influence on the life situation of the rural poor, affecting their productivity, health, education, and gender-related issues. The government of Bangladesh has a noble vision to provide electricity for all citizens by the year 2021. Suitable geographic location and as an agricultural country, Bangladesh is richly endowed with solar and biomass energy. So, solar and biomass energy together with national grid electricity is an appropriate option to meet the electricity requirements of people in rural areas. This paper examines Bangladesh rural area electricity demand and supply security by solar and biomass energy together with national grid electricity from 2010-2030 by using long range energy alternative planning system (LEAP) model. The results show that the total electricity demand of rural area in Bangladesh is about 27 TWh and is easily mitigated by solar and biomass energy together with national grid electricity. Solar and biomass electrification will provide direct and indirect benefits to the users of the system, with many implications of a permanent nature. Reduction of environment polluted kerosene usage is the main impact. A rural family can get bright light, watch TV, uses fan and power their mobile phones by using environment friendly renewable energy. Rural business can enhance their productivity and increase income through extended working hours and attracting more consumers.