She also said the government had plans to install solar power plants.

Austrian Ambassador to Dhaka Bernhard Wrabetz said his country was eager to help Bangladesh in producing green power when he called on Hasina at her office on Thursday.

After the meeting, Hasina’s Deputy Press Secretary Bijan Lal Deb told reporters that the prime minister welcomed Austria’s gesture.

"The prime minister has said that the government is putting the highest emphasis on solar power and would welcome Austrian assistance,” Deb said.

Power generation has increased significantly over the past several years but has failed to match growing demand, resulting in a shortfall forcing load-shedding.

Bangladesh’s power production is mainly gas-based. The country’s only hydroelectric plant is located in Rangamati, and the government now plans to have coal-fired power plants.

The power-starved country is looking for alternative sources of energy to meet the growing demand.