The International Renewable Energy Agency estimated Bangladesh had 301 MW of grid-connected solar capacity at the turn of the year.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) floated tenders to build four solar PV power plants totaling 50 MW each in Chittagong, Chuadanga, Netrokona, and Mymensingh back in 2018 on a build, own and operate basis.

A senior power ministry official from Bangladesh’s Prime Minister’s Office told pv magazine that Cyclect Energy was the only bidder for the 50 MW Chuadanga PV project, with a proposed tariff of US$0.12/kW.

Cyclect Energy has already secured 175 acres of land for the project, located close to Chuadanga 132/33 kV Grid Substation. Once a final price has been negotiated, a power purchase agreement will be sent to the cabinet committee on economic affairs for approval. The BPDB will buy electricity from the solar power plants for a period of 20 years.

Overall, Bangladesh has set a new roadmap to generate 40% electricity from renewables by 2050. Presently, the country generates just 766.8 MW, which is around 3% of total generation capacity.