DHAKA:  The government has issued a directive for the use of solar-based light-emitting diodes (LED) lights for lighting urban streets to reduce pressure on the bumping national grid.

Officials said the government order has been sent to all the city corporation and pourasava executives.

Issued on August 22, the order, signed by Sheikh Faezul Ameen, says the traditional streetlights consume huge power and emit heat and carbons. The streetlights are also less sustainable and more expensive for maintenance.

Official sources said Prime Minister’s Energy Adviser Dr Tawfiq Elahi Chowdhury on July 11 chaired a meeting on country’s energy efficiency and demand-side management that discussed Bangladesh’s overall power scenario.   

They also discussed a report titled Bangladesh Roadmap for Energy Efficiency Improvement and Demand-side Management jointly published by the GTZ and the World Bank. The report made 19 recommendations, which include introducing solar LED for streets.

“Introduction of LED will save over 500-MW power and also cut down carbon emissions by 14,000 tons,” the report says about the measure, one of the innovations aimed at assuaging the global concern over calamitous climate change as well as energy crunch.

The government is also planning to discuss with building constructors and property builders’ organisation REHAB the matter to encourage them to use solar lights.  

BDST 1930 HRS, AUGUST 31, 2010.