US based energy infrastructure company Eleris Energy is at an advanced level of discussions with the Government of Bangladesh to develop 2.2 GW grid connected solar power capacity along with integrated liquified natural gas (LNG) assets in the country.
Citing official sources, a news report by The Financial Express says Eleris has proposed to build this 2.2 GW solar PV capacity in the form of 3 projects. Out of the 3 projects, 2 of these with 600 MW capacity each are proposed to be set up under joint ventures with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and Ashuganj Power Station Company Ltd. (APSCL). Both the projects are proposed to come up in Chattogram location. BPDB will purchase electricity generated at a fixed tariff of 20 years.
It has offered to build the remaining 1 GW to be set up at Swarno Dweep or Golden Island in Noakhali under a joint venture with the Bangladesh Army since the island is a military base. The latter will provide land for the project with Eleris taking up development, construction, commissioning and operation of the plant. The report claims the Prime Minister's Office has already given instructions to implement a large-scale, grid connected solar power project on the island.
All the 3 projects will be commissioned sequentially in phases of 200 MW to be built, owned and operated by Pacific Energy Group owned Eleris Energy. Both BPDB and APSCL have the option to become equity investors in these projects with Eleris pooling in remaining amount.
An October 2020 study by the Sustainable & Renewable Energy Development Authority and UNDP claimed the country has a potential to develop 40 GW of solar energy by 2041 (see Study Sees 40 GW Solar Energy Potential For Bangladesh).