United News of Bangladesh

In a major push toward clean energy, the government has taken up a plan to ramp up renewable power generation and reduce reliance on coal and fuel-based electricity that contributes to environmental degradation. The project titled “Construction of Sonagazi 220 MW Solar Power Plant,” will be implemented by the Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh Ltd (EGCB) under the Power Division. Once completed, it will stand as one of the largest utility-scale solar installations in the country. A Major Step Toward a Greener Power Mix The proposed plant will be set up in Sonagazi upazila of Feni district, marking a substantial stride in Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify energy sources and align with long-term climate and clean energy commitments. According to the project proposal, the solar plant will require an estimated investment of Tk 1,888.10 crore. Read more: BRAC Bank, IDCOL fund 64.55 MW solar project Of this, Tk 147.56 crore will come from the government, Tk 1,623.63 crore from foreign financing, and Tk 116.91 crore from EGCB’s own resources. The project is expected to run from July 2025 to June 2028. Officials said the move corresponds with national plans to boost renewable energy’s share in the power mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.  It is also designed to help achieve the target of generating 20 percent of Bangladesh’s electricity from renewable sources as highlighted in the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan (IEPMP) 2023. Under the plan, the government aims to raise renewable capacity to 38 gigawatts by 2050. Key Infrastructure and Technical Features The plant’s construction will involve installing 469,560 solar PV modules and 26 grid-connected inverters, supported by a 240MVA electrical substation. It will also include four 230/33kV transformers, auxiliary transformers and a 13.3km second circuit of a 230kV transmission line. Read more: BSTI opens state-of-the-art solar panel testing lab A new GIS bay at the BEZA substation and an AIS bay at EGCB’s existing 75MW substation will also be developed to facilitate uninterrupted transmission. Beyond its electrical infrastructure, the project includes building 6.9km of embankments, laying CC blocks along 2.67km of the southern dyke, excavating and renovating two canals spanning 3km, constructing 10.98km of internal roads, and developing a control room and a five-storey dormitory. A Vision Rooted in Earlier Planning EGCB’s journey in developing renewable energy in Sonagazi dates back to 2017, when it acquired 999.65 acres in Purba Bardhali mouza. Of this, 285 acres were used for a 75MW solar plant already in operation. The new 220MW facility will be built on 634 acres of the remaining land. Once operational, the electricity generated will be fed into the national grid via PGCB’s Mirsarai substation, ensuring distribution across the country. Read more: Solar power projects face delays amid challenges: Adviser Fouzul Kabir The Planning Commission officials said the project would add 220MW of clean energy to the grid, reduce carbon emissions, and support improved service reliability. It also said the initiative would help develop skilled manpower in advanced solar technologies. Solar Expansion Gains Momentum Nationwide Bangladesh’s renewable energy landscape has been expanding in recent years, with several high-capacity plants already operational. These include 275MW Beximco Gaibandha Solar PV Park, Rangpur (commissioned 2021 134.30MW Mongla Solar PV Park, Khulna (2021),134.30MW Orion Khulna Solar PV Park, Khulna (2021), 73MW Mymensingh Solar PV Park (2021), 20MW Teknaf Solartech Energy Limited Plant, Cox’s Bazar (2018) Large-scale initiatives under development include 1,000MW Swarna Dwip Solar Plant, Noakhali — a Bangladesh Army Welfare Trust project, 300MW Rampal Solar Power Plant, a Saudi-Bangladesh joint venture. Other projects in the pipeline involve capacities of 300MW in Sreemangal and 200MW each in Mongla and Thakurgaon, reflecting a strategic nationwide shift toward solar-driven power generation. As Bangladesh positions itself for a renewable-focused future, the massive Sonagazi solar plant is expected to play a transformative role—cutting emissions, easing pressure on fossil fuel imports, and ensuring cleaner, more reliable energy for millions. Read more: Walton installs country’s largest floating solar power plant

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $121.55 million financing package with Dynamic Sun Energy Private Limited to build and operate a 100-megawatt (MW) grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plant in Pabna, Bangladesh.  The plant is the country’s first private sector utility-scale solar facility to secure support from global financiers, said the Manilla-based lending agency on Monday (April 29, 2024).  ADB arranged, structured, and syndicated the debt package as the sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner.  The financing package comprises a $46.75 million loan from ADB, a syndicated B-loan of $28.05 million from ILX Fund I, an Amsterdam-based emerging market private credit fund focused on supporting the Sustainable Development Goals with ADB as lender of record, and a syndicated parallel loan of $46.75 million from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.  Competition policy can unlock increased FDI flows into Bangladesh: ADB Country Director to MCCI “As Asia’s climate bank, ADB welcomes the opportunity to support renewable energy in Bangladesh, where obtaining long-term financing for such projects is a challenge,” said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury. “This partnership exemplifies our lead role in mobilising financing for clean energy facilities and stimulating further investment in sectors where it’s needed the most.” The solar power plant will generate 193.5 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually and avoid 93,654 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. “We are delighted to secure financing for one of the largest private sector solar projects in Bangladesh to date, with the support of international lenders led by ADB,” said PT Managing Director Shakhawat Hossain.  “Partnering with an internationally reputable financial institution such as ADB affirms PT’s dedication to sustainability and marks a significant stride in our journey towards sustainable growth.” Banks tailoring offshore services with lucrative benefits aimed at wealthy NRBs DSE is owned by Paramount Textile PLC (PT), one of the largest woven textile manufacturers in Bangladesh, which also operates several power plants.  PT manufactures high-quality yarn-dyed and printed woven fabrics using a wide range of yarns, modern weaving technologies, and print types.  PT was publicly listed on the Dhaka and Chittagong stock exchanges in 2013. 

Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) to set up a 1000MW solar power plant in Bangladesh. Welcoming the initiative, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said that the investment and technological assistance from Saudi Arabia’s ACWA will help Bangladesh achieve its clean energy by 2041 goal. He said Bangladesh has been promoting renewable energy in various ways.    Read more: Govt positive about Singapore company's 400MW Matarbari solar power plant proposal: Nasrul “The government has been working in a coordinated manner to promote renewable energy. State-owned Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) is providing necessary technological support and consultations,” he said at the contract signing ceremony held at Biduyt Bhaban in Dhaka on Monday (November 28, 2022).  BPDB Board Secretary Mohammad Selim Reza and ACWA Power Business Development Department’s Executive Director Ayad Al Amri signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides. As per the non-binding MoU, Saudi ACWA Power will provide technological and financial support while BPDB will extend its administrative support for the 1000MW solar power project. Read more: British High Commission Dhaka turns to renewable energy through solar panels With BPDB chairman Md Mahbubur Rahman in the chair, the MoU signing event between BPDB and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power was also addressed by power secretary Habuibur Rahman and Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Bin Yousef Al Duhailan.

The country’s single largest rooftop solar plant was inaugurated on Sunday at the privately owned Korean Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Anwara upazila of Chattagram. The power plant, installed on the rooftop of the factories in the EPZ will generate 16 MW in the first phase while the total capacity of the plant will be 40 MW. Inaugurating the plant, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the government has been laying special emphasis on promotion of renewable energy across the country. “We’ve set a target to generate 40 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2041”, he told the function.      

A 35MW solar power plant in Manikganj has gone into commercial operation supplying electricity to the national grid.  “The plant has been supplying electricity to the national grid since it started its commercial operation in March this year,” said Imran Chowdhury, country head of the Sungrow Power Supply Company Ltd, which worked for the project as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.  Spectra Solar Park Ltd, (SSPL), a joint venture of Bangladeshi Spectra Group and Chinese Shunfeng Investments Limited (SIL), developed the project at Shibalaya Upazila in Manikganj with $15 million financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Read: Solar Home System: IDCOL partners seek govt intervention in loan write-off issue The state-owned Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will purchase electricity from this independent power producer (IPP) project at a rate of TK 11.12/kWh ($0.13) under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). Official sources said SSPL is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) owned by Bangladesh-based Spectra Engineers Limited (SEL) and the Hong Kong, China-based Shunfeng Investments Limited (SIL).  The SSPL is the borrower for the loan and will build, own, and operate the project. SEL owns 80 percent of SSPL and SIL owns the remaining 20 percent. Read Consider downward revision of power generation plan: CPD to govt According to the sources, the Consortium of Spectra Engineers Limited & Shunfeng Investment Limited owned the 35 MW (AC) grid-connected solar park through an unsolicited offer under the Fast Power and Energy Supply (special) Act. They said this has been the 4th IPP project that came into operation although more than 20 such projects were awarded to private sponsors.  Read:Sreda, BGMEA sign deal for rooftop solar power promotion in RMG sector Earlier, 4 IPP projects -- 50 MW (AC) Solar Park Gauripur, Mymensingh by HETAT-DITROLIC-IFDC Solar Consortium, 8 MW Solar Park in Panchagarh by Parasol Energy Ltd., 20MW (AC) Solar Park Teknaf Upazila, Cox's Bazar by Joules Power Limited (JPL) and 3 MW Grid-connected PV Power Plant at Sharishabari in Jamalpur by Engreen Sharishabari Solar Plant Ltd, owned by IFE-CPC-JEL Consortium -- went into operation. Imran Chowdhury said the Chinese mother company has launched Sungrow Renewable Energy Bangladesh Limited (SREBL) as a new company to work as IPP project developer beyond its current job of EPC contractor to make a significant contribution to National Solar Energy Roadmap Up To 2041.  He said Sungrow now offers different technologies and solutions -- solar-plus energy storage solution (ESS), power plant by lithium-ion battery, floating solar power plant, solar fishery power plant, ground-mounted solar power plant -- for the Bangladesh market. Reead Nasrul urges RMG owners: Go solar for low cost, tax break The study, titled 'National Solar Energy Action Plan 2021-2041', was conducted by the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Meanwhile, the country’s Power System Master PLan (PSMP) has set a target to reach the renewable energy’s share to 10 percent of total power generation capacity (2470 MW) by 2021 -- a major focus was supposed to be on exploiting the potential of solar energy to achieve the goal. But available data shows the country now has the generation capacity of 20,595 MW from conventional sources while power from renewable sources is lagging far behind at 700.61 MW, which is around 3 percent of the total generation capacity. Read: Nasrul urges RMG owners: Go solar for low cost, tax break The Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) show that among different renewable energy sources, PV solar leads the sector with 466.68 MW generation capacity, while it is followed by hydro with 230 MW capacity, 2.9 MW from wind, 0.63 MW from Bio-gas and 0.4 MW from Biomass. Energy experts say that Bangladesh is far behind Pakistan and India, among its South Asian neighbors, in utilising renewable energy resources for electricity generation. The PSMP stipulates for 35 percent power generation from imported LNG (liquefied natural gas), some 35 percent from imported coal, 15 percent from renewable energy, 10 percent from nuclear energy and five percent from petroleum oil by 2041, when the country’s generation will reach 60,000 MW, the officials added. Read Sreda, BGMEA sign deal for rooftop solar power promotion in RMG sector

Dhaka, Sept 26 (UNB) – The government is expecting to receive in October next the report of a feasibility study on the proposed 50MW Floating Solar Power Plant Project in the Kaptai Lake.