Bay of Bengal Power Company, a joint venture between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and China Huadian Hong Kong Company Limited, is set to establish a 160 MW solar photovoltaic power plant in Moheshkhali, Cox's Bazar. This strategic project is part of Bangladesh's broader push towards renewable energy.
The photovoltaic plant will cover 150 hectares of land on the northern side of the Energy Island Park, situated on the southern bank of the Kuhelia River. This location, approximately 80 kilometers northwest of Chattogram and 23 kilometers southeast of Cox's Bazar airport, is expected to leverage its flat, coastal terrain for optimal solar energy production.
Chen Shaolei, deputy director of Bay of Bengal Power, told The Business Standard that an international tender has been issued for the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the power plant. The sale of the plant specifications will conclude on June 25, with the submission deadline set for June 27. The tender guarantee has been established at $2 million or its equivalent in taka.
The BPDB indicated that the solar plant will connect to a Matarbari grid substation and includes provisions for future expansion. Maheshkhali is rapidly evolving into a key energy hub, driving Bangladesh's ambitious energy expansion plans. The government is also developing a deep-water port and coal jetty in the area to facilitate coal imports for the numerous coal-fired power plants under construction.
In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Bangladesh approved 2.19 GW of large-scale PV projects in 2023. This surge in renewable energy capacity is a result of new policy measures designed to incentivize independent photovoltaic producers. These initiatives aim to reduce the nation's dependence on fossil fuels and promote a greener energy mix.
The introduction of these photovoltaic projects is expected to play a crucial role in meeting Bangladesh's energy demands while aligning with global environmental standards. By fostering a more diverse energy sector, Bangladesh is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy adoption in the South Asia region.
