Bangladesh has reached the 200 MW biggest solar power plant era. There are a few more biggest solar power plants in Bangladesh in 2024. Besides generating electricity using natural energy sources (coal, gas, HFO, nuclear fuel, etc.) solar energy is becoming more popular. There are numerous privileges to become more popular. However, the world knows natural energy or secondary energy resources are depleting arithmetically. In that case, people are searching for sustainable and low-cost energy to meet the daily load demand. In that case, solar energy is the best and first choice to meet the load demand.
Bangladesh is a developing country in the South Asia. Bangladesh has a temperate climate that is more suitable for converting solar energy into electricity. Due to the sunny weather and high load demand, the Bangladeshi government has taken a step to install solar panels commercially.
The Bangladeshi government has recently completed the biggest solar power plant in Bangladesh. It is located in Gaibandha Sundarganj and the plant capacity is 200 MW. This solar power station is also considered the largest solar park in Bangladesh.
Biggest Solar Power Plant in Bangladesh in 2024
In 2024, a major part of electricity comes from fossil fuels which is very costly and the reason for the high per unit cost. Most common fuel sources are used to generate electricity in Bangladesh such as gas 44.97%, coal 24.31%, and HFO 22.62%. Fossil fuel is reducing day to day that’s why Bangladesh is looking for renewable energy power plants to meet the load demand.
In the meantime, the government has taken steps to install or run solar power plants. The government has targeted 2030 to 2040 to meet maximum capacity from renewable energy. In this stage, we will see some completed, and running solar power plants in Bangladesh. So here we go.
1. Gaibandha Beximco Solar Farm or Gaibandha Teesta Solar Limited (200 MW)
Beximco Power Company has created the 200 MW biggest solar power plant in Bangladesh. It’s only the biggest grounded-mounted solar power plant in Bangladesh in 2024. It is located in Gaibandha, Sundarganj. Teesta Solar Limited, Beximco Power Company Limited, and China’s TBEA Xinjiang Sunoasis Company Ltd work with a joint venture to create the 200 MW largest solar power plant in Bangladesh.
They sign a contract to sell the electricity to the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). They started their plant setup journey on 2016-09-22. This plant has connected with the national grid on 2023-01-08.
In that case, Beximco invested $300 million and installed 5.5 lakh high-grade solar panels. Whenever they connect this solar energy to the national grid then they set up 5 kilometers, 122 towers, and 132 KV power transmission lines. BPDB will purchase with $0.15 per unit or (1KWh). This is very high per unit cost.
After all, BPDB has signed with Teesta Solar Limited (TSL) for 20 years to buy renewable AC energy from this 200 MW solar plant. Beximco chairman said this invention will be a milestone in Bangladesh, and they want to set up more solar power plants according to Bangladeshi government plans.
Plant Specification
- Project Name: 200 MW (AC) Solar Park by Beximco Power Co. Ltd.
- Technology Type: Solar Park/solar power station
- Plant Total Capacity: 200 MW
- Work Starting Date: 2016-09-22
- Plant Completion Date: 2023-01-08
- Plant Present Status: Completed & Running
- Grid Status: On Grid/Running
- Division Name: Rangpur
- District Name: Gaibandha
- Upazilla Name: Sundarganj
- Power plant Location: Gaibandha
2. Energon Mongla Solar Park or Moidhara Solar Park (100 MW)
Mongla 100 MW or 134.3 MW (Energon) Solar Power Plant is called the Energon Mongla solar power plant. This power plant is located in Moidhara and Bara Durgapur village of Durgapur Union under Mongla Upazila in Bagerhat District of Bangladesh. This 100 MW solar park is the second largest solar power plant in Bangladesh. Moidhara Solar Park has been sponsored by Energon Renewables Bangladesh Limited (ERBL).
Energon Renewables Bangladesh Limited (ERBL) is a part of Orion Group. They have been responsible for producing renewable energy for 20 years. BPDB will purchase electricity at $0.13 per KWh. This power plant comes to generate electricity and send it to the national grid in 2021 and it will go on till 2041. This power plant has occupied 350 acres of land.
It is noted that this land was permitted to create a coal power plant. They have spent $196 million to build this solar power plant. Due to some essential factors, the Bangladeshi government canceled that project and assigned this project to Orion Group to create a renewable energy park to meet electrical load demand. This photovoltaic power plant is connected to a 132KV transmission line in Mongla PGCB substation.
Orion Group has created a 9-kilometer-high voltage power transmission line to connect with the Mongla PGCB substation. This plant will be responsible for reducing 180000 tons of carbon dioxide gas (CO2).
Plant Specification
- Project Name: 100 MW (AC) Solar Park by Energon Technologies FZE & China Sunergy Co. Ltd (ESUN).
- Technology Type: Solar Park
- Grid Status: On Grid
- Plant status: Active
- Gross Install Capacity: 134.3 MW and 100 MW
- Work Starting Date: 2014
- Plant Completion Date: 2021
- Present Status: Completed & Running
- Division Name: Khulna
- District Name: Bagerhat
- Upazilla Name: Mongla Upazila
- Power Plant Location: Borodurgapur
3. Sonagazi Solar Power Plant (75 MW)
Sonagazi solar power plant is the 3rd largest solar power station in Bangladesh in 2024. It is located in Purba Boro Dholi, Sonagazi, Feni, Chittagong. This solar power plant or photovoltaic power plant has been built with the help of EGCB, the Bangladeshi government, and World Bank finance. This plant’s estimated budget was 8.75 billion Taka.
Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh (EGCB) has contributed 626 million Taka, the Government contributed 875 million Taka, and the World Bank also contributed 7.25 billion Taka for this project. This Sonagazi solar power plant was initially planned to generate 50 MW. After that, it enhanced to 75MW. In this power plant, 187,410 high efficient solar modules have been used.
EGCB also created a transmission line that was a long (13.33 kilometers) high voltage (230KV) to connect this power plant and the national grid. In that case, EGCB also created a 230 KV electrical substation and placed two 230KV/33KV electrical power transformers. This power plant can contribute 10% of electricity from total renewable sources. This power plant can be a milestone in meeting the electricity demand in the nearby city.
Plant Specification
- Project Name: Sonagazi 75 MW Solar Power Plant Construction Project.
- Technology Type: Solar Park
- Power Grid Status: On Grid
- Plant Status: Active
- PV plant Capacity: 75 MW
- Plant Completion Date: 2024-04-01
- Present Status: Completed & Running
- Division name: Chittagong
- District Name: Feni
- Upazilla Name: Sonagazi
- Location Name: Purba Boro Dholi
4. Sutiakhali Solar Power Plant (50 MW)
Sutiakhali solar power plant is the 4th biggest ground-mounted solar power plant in Bangladesh. This power station work was started in 2014 and goes to commission in 2020. This solar photovoltaic power plant is located in Sutiakhali Union, Gauripur Upazila, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
This project has been completed by some renowned companies joint ventures or combined efforts: HDFC Sinpower Limited, Ditrolic (S) Private Limited, and IFDC Solar Power (Bangladesh) Limited. They work as a private Independent Power Producers (IPP). This PV station was sponsored by DFC Sinpower Limited, Ditrolic (S) Private Limited, and IFDC Solar Power (Bangladesh) Limited.
It is noted that HDFC Sinpower Limited is a Joint Venture Company (JVC) of Sinenergy Holdings Private Limited. However, this solar project occupied 174 acres of land. It contains 169,000 high-grade solar modules. Around $95 million or 800 crore BDT has been spent to complete this project. BPDB will purchase electricity for 20 years with 10 to 13 taka per KWh.
Plant Specification
- Project Name: 50 MW (AC) Solar Park by HETAT-DITROLIC-IFDC Solar Consortium.
- Technology Type: Solar Park
- Grid Status: On Grid
- Plant Status: Active
- PV Plant Capacity: 50 MW
- The project was started: in 2014
- Plant Completion Date: 2020-11-04
- PV Plant Present Status: Completed & Running
- Division Name: Mymensingh
- District Name: Mymensingh
- Upazilla Name: Gauripur
- Plant Location: Sutiakhali
5. Solar Power Plant in Manikganj (35 MW)
Spectra Solar Park Ltd (SSPL) has developed a 35 MW solar power plant in Manikganj. It is located in Manikganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Spectra Solar Park Ltd, (SSPL) is a part of Spectra Group. They work with China’s Shunfeng Investments Limited (SIL) together to develop that solar project. It is basically a ground-mounted PV plant that occupies 138.78 acres of land. This Photovoltaic power plant consists of 134,400 high-grade PV modules. Each panel’s word capacity is 330Watt.
Solar inverters play a crucial role in the solar project. In this project 15 highly efficient inverters were installed to convert DC power into AC power. The estimated cost was $15 million which was aided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This project will be ready to commission in 2021. BPDB has signed a contract with an independent power producer (IPP) to purchase electricity for the next 20 years from the purchase date. This electricity will be purchased for $0.13 or 11.12 Taka per KWh.
Plant Specification
- Project Name: 35 MW AC Solar Park by Consortium of Spectra Engineers Limited & Shunfeng Investment Limited
- Technology Type: Solar Park
- Grid Status: On Grid
- Plant status: Active
- Plant Installed Capacity: 35 MW
- Power Plant Starting date: 2016
- Completion Date: 2021-03-12
- Present Status: Completed & Running
- Division Name: Dhaka
- District Name: Manikganj
- Upazilla Name: Shibalaya Upazila
- Power plant Location Name: Manikganj
6. Gangachara Upazila Solar PV Park (30 MW)
Intraco Solar Power Ltd (ISPL) or Intraco Renewable Energy Limited (IREL) is a Bangladesh-based firm. ISPL has signed a contract with BPDB to generate 30 MW of electricity to meet the load demand. Now this power plant has been ready to generate electricity and already added 30 MW to the national grid.
This power plant is located in Rangpur division, Gangachara Upazila. This power plant will be available to transmit power to the national grid for the next 20 years from the commercial production date. Gangachara power plant is made on 143.3 acres of land in Gangachara Upazila in Rangpur. BPDB will purchase electricity for 12.80 Taka or $0.16 for 20 years.
Plant Specification
- Project Name: 30MW (AC) Solar Park by Intraco CNG Ltd & Juli New Energy Co. Ltd.
- Technology Type: Solar Park
- Grid Status: On Grid
- PV plant status: Active
- PV plant Capacity: 30 MW
- Plant Completion Date: 2022-08-28
- Present Status: Completed & Running
- Division Name: Rangpur
- District Name: Rangpur
- Upazilla Name: Gangachara
- Location Name: Gangachara
7. Cox’s Bazar Solar Power Plant (20 MW)
20 MW ground-mounted solar power plant is located in Teknaf Upazila in Cox’s Bazar. Joules Power Limited (JPL) has been assigned to construct and run this project. Joules Power Limited has projected 75 acres of land for a 20 MW power plant. This plant was completed and connected to the grid in 2018. Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) contracted Jules Power Limited to purchase renewable electricity for the next 20 years from the completion date. Per unit cost or tariff cost will be 13.414 Taka per kilowatt hour (KWH).
Plant Specification
- Project Name: 20MW (AC) Solar Park by Joules Power Limited (JPL)
- Technology Type: Solar Park
- Grid Status: On Grid
- Plant Status: Active
- Power generation Capacity: 20 MW
- Project Completion Date: 2018-09-15
- Present Status: Completed & Running
- Division Name: Chittagong
- District Name: Cox’s Bazar
- Upazilla Name: Teknaf Upazila
8. Panchagarh Solar Power Plant (8 MW)
Panchagarh solar power plant is also called Majhipara 8 MW solar power plant or Sympa Panchagarh solar park. The reason for the name behind this scenario. This photovoltaic plant is located in Majhipara Union, Tetulia Upazila, Panchagarh, Rangpur, Bangladesh. Sympa Solar Power Limited (SSPL) is the sponsor to creating this PV plant.
It is noted that SSPL is a joint venture company of Parasol Energy Limited and Aqua Breeder Limited. However, this power plant occupied 37.62 acres of land. The estimated cost was counted as BDT 69 crore. 33KV transmission line runs from this power plant to the Tetulia substation through Automatic Circuit Recloser (ACR). BPDB signed 20 years power purchase agreement (PPA)
Plant Specification
- Project Name: 8 MW Solar Park by Parasol Energy Ltd.
- Technology Type: Solar Park
- Grid Status: On Grid
- Plant Status: Active
- PV plant Capacity: 8 MW
- Completion Date: 2019-05-13
- Present Status: Completed & Running
- Division Name: Rangpur
- District Name: Panchagarh
- Upazilla Name: Panchagarh Sadar
How Much Is the Power Generation Capacity in Bangladesh in 2024?
As of late the power generation capacity in Bangladesh stands at 26,700 MW. Whereas, 3.5% or 957.67MW are coming from renewable energy sources. The rest of that, most electricity is generated from natural energy sources like gas, coal, HFO, nuclear energy, hydropower plants, etc. It is noted that many solar power plants are under construction. Bangladeshi government said this renewable energy generation needs to bring up 40% of total electricity within 2040.
Where Is the Largest Solar Power Plant Situated in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh has newly inaugurated a 200 MW largest solar power station in Bangladesh. It is located in Sundarganj Upazila, Gaibandha Division on 650 acres of land. 5.5 lakh high-grade solar panels have been used and the estimated cost was $300 million. Its work starting date was 2016-09-22 and its completion date was 2023-01-08.
Renewable Energy Goal of Bangladesh
Bangladesh already reached the renewable energy era. Now 3.5% of electricity is produced from renewable energy. It will be enhanced to 40% renewable energy generation capacity in 2040 or 2041. The Bangladeshi government strictly wants to reduce dependency on natural energy sources like coal, gas, HFO, etc.
It is the main renewable energy goal and future of Bangladesh. It is noted that renewable energy means wind power plants, hydropower plants, and solar power stations. The government has mostly emphasized and focused on solar power plants.
Final Thought
We know well how important solar power plants are. Most countries converting themselves to produce electricity by using renewable energy. In recent ages, Bangladesh has also generated more than 3.5% of electricity from renewable energy to meet its load demand. However, I have referred to a list of solar power plant in Bangladesh.
I have also given 8 biggest solar power plants in Bangladesh in 2024 but this amount is enhancing. This is because many solar power plants are in the upcoming. So, the Bangladeshi government wants to produce more than 40% of electricity using renewable energy in total power generation. This projected year is considered as 2040.