- Bangladesh Power Development Board and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power partner to establish a 1,000-megawatt solar power facility in South Asia to resolve its energy crisis.
- The project is estimated to include five power stations, costing about $3 billion, with a completion time of less than a year.
Despite Bangladesh’s reliance on imported liquefied petroleum gas, the country has faced energy crises over the past few months. As a result, Bangladesh Power Development Board and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power have partnered to establish a 1,000-megawatt solar power facility in South Asia to resolve its energy crisis.
The project is estimated to include five power stations, costing about $3 billion, with a completion time of less than a year. In addition, the authorities are currently looking for suitable land to establish a solar farm.ACWA Power will select a land location based on the outcome of the feasibility studies. This facility will also assist Bangladesh in reaching its goal of producing 40% of its renewable energy by 2041.
Around 80% of Bangladesh’s population of 168 million was without electricity in October after a grid fault. This occurred when more than one-third of its gas-powered units ran out of fuel. According to the Institute of Energy Director at the University of Dhaka, Dr SM Shams, “It will be very beneficial for Bangladesh if we can secure the Saudi investment in renewable energy. This project will help Bangladesh achieve its clean energy goals and increase its energy resilience. If we can produce our energy from renewable sources such as sunlight and wind, it is always a positive because we don’t need to import fossil fuels. It’s also environmentally friendly.”