Bangladesh’s Power Division is accelerating the implementation of 125 green energy projects to meet 10% of the nation’s power needs from renewables by 2025. Once completed, these projects will have a total generation capacity of 12,047 megawatts, exceeding winter demand and covering 70% of summer consumption. Among these projects, seven solar power plants will store 20% of produced electricity for use during peak evening hours.

Senior officials stated they have already secured substantial investments from both domestic and foreign sources, promising 11,000-12,000 megawatts of renewable energy. Currently, 51 projects are ongoing, with 74 in progress. About 90% of the plants will be solar-based and the rest are wind and waste-to-energy plants. Though the government may miss the target of fulfilling 10% of power needs from renewable energy by 2025, the Power Division senior secretary anticipates renewable energy contributing up to 40% by 2027-2028.

Storage innovation is a focus, with seven projects incorporating battery storage systems. Currently, 10 operational solar power plants, both government and private, are contributing 461MW of electricity to the national grid. A US-based firm is establishing a 1000MW solar plant in Noakhali, alongside other significant ventures. Other major projects include SAL-GTECH Consortium’s 300MW solar power plant in Islampur of Jamalpur, and a 250MW solar-based power plant in Gangachhara of Rangpur, established through a joint venture of Shanghai Electric Investment Co Ltd (China) and Risen Energy (Hong Kong) Co Ltd. JT New Energy Company Ltd has undertaken a project to establish the largest wind power plant (220 MW) in the country in Chakaria of Cox’s Bazar. Wind, tidal, and biomass projects will generate 933MW, while 11,114MW will come from solar.

To generate over 12,000MW of power from renewable sources, approximately 10,000 acres of land will be required. The government will implement the projects near rivers, and sandy and barren lands. The secretary assured green energy projects won’t impact agriculture, as they’re sited away from farmlands.

These green energy initiatives will ensure energy security amidst fuel price volatility and significantly reduce carbon emissions, ensuring a sustainable future for Bangladesh’s energy landscape.

The Business Standard