Rampal:The government is set to launch an ambitious project to construct a 442-megawatt peak (MWp) solar power plant in Rampal, Bagerhat. The initiative, with an estimated cost of Tk 2,498.08 crore, aims to boost renewable energy production, diversify fuel sources, and reduce carbon emissions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project, proposed by the Power Division and to be executed by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), will receive funding of Tk 374.71 crore from BPDB's resources and Tk 2,123.37 crore from the Power Sector Development Fund. The proposal is expected to be reviewed by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Md Zahurul Islam, a BPDB member, stated that the solar power plant will feature a panel capacity of 442 megawatts, with energy converted to AC electricity for integration into the national grid. He emphasized that this project is a significant step towards expanding Bangladesh's renewable energy capabilities.
A senior Planning Commission official highlighted that the loan for the project from the Power Sector Development Fund will have a 2 percent interest rate, a one-year grace period, and a 16-year repayment term. The project is slated for implementation from September 2026 to March 2029, and it aims to contribute to the government's goal of achieving a 20 percent renewable energy share in the total energy mix by 2030.
The project, which will utilize 918.50 acres of BPDB-owned land in Rampal, will avoid the need for new land acquisition, thereby reducing costs. The project will employ existing infrastructure from a nearby coal-fired power plant for electricity transmission, facilitating a quicker and more cost-effective implementation.
The Planning Commission has found the project financially and economically viable, anticipating it will create 25 project office jobs during implementation and temporary employment for about 200 contractor workers. Upon completion, approximately 256 individuals will be employed for plant operations, including 51 permanent positions.