Bangladesh is set to connect nearly 5 megawatts (MW) of electricity generated from rooftop solar panels to the national grid by September, marking another step in the government's efforts to diversify the country's energy mix and expand renewable power generation.
Progress in Renewable Energy
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Engineer Rezaul Karim said the process of installing additional rooftop solar panels is progressing steadily as part of the government's strategy to increase electricity generation from renewable sources. According to the BPDB, grid-connected rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 5 MW are being installed at 19 locations nationwide using the board's own Power Sector Development Fund.
The projects include 1.3 MW at Ghorashal, 0.26 MW in Khulna, 0.12 MW at the Rajshahi Training Centre, 0.13 MW at the Chattogram Training Centre, 0.40 MW at Bibiyana, 0.25 MW at Barapukuria, along with several other sites. These installations are part of a broader initiative to enhance the country's renewable energy capacity.
Long-term Goals and Future Projects
In addition to the rooftop initiative, the BPDB is moving ahead with three utility-scale solar projects with a combined generation capacity of 77.5 MW. The projects—50 MW, 20 MW and 7.5 MW—are currently undergoing technical and financial evaluation following the opening of tender documents on June 23, 24 and 25, respectively.
The evaluation reports are expected to be submitted to the Power Division next month before being placed before the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase for final approval. BPDB data show that Bangladesh currently has 1,807.75 MW of installed solar power capacity, accounting for about 5.01 percent of the country's total installed electricity generation capacity.
The board has also signed agreements with 12 independent power producers (IPPs) to develop solar power plants with a combined capacity of 918 MW at an average tariff of 7.80 US cents per kilowatt-hour, around 2.5 cents lower than previous rates. Grid-connected solar projects typically become operational within 24 months of contract signing.
Earlier, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding renewable energy to ensure environmental sustainability and strengthen energy security. The government has set a target of generating 10,000 MW of electricity from renewable sources within the next five years. Under its long-term energy transition plan, 20 percent of the country's electricity is expected to come from renewable sources by 2030, rising to 30 percent by 2040.
