Bangladesh Utility Launches 120 MW Solar PV Tender

Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd (DESCO), an electric utility in Bangladesh, has invited bids for the implementation of around 120 MW of on-grid solar power capacity. 

Eligible EPC contractors will be required to take up work on a DBFOM (design, build, finance, operate and maintain) basis.  

The entire capacity will be established in 8 lots of 15 MW each in 8 operational circles of DESCO, namely Rupnagar, Agargaon, Pallabi, Gulshan, Baridhara, Dakshinkhan, Uttara, and Tongi. A single company will stand to win a maximum of 3 lots. The expected duration of the project is 20 to 25 years.  

The total project cost will be financed by the EPC interested in applying for this expression of interest (EOI). DESCO says there will be no independent power purchase agreement signed for this capacity.  

The utility will purchase electricity from the EPC at a rate less than that of the retail rate of electricity fixed by Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC).  

DESCO launched the call on March 13, 2025, specifying May 5, 2025 as the last date for EOI submission. 

In February 2025, the Bangladesh Power Development Board launched an EPC tender for 1.78 GW AC of grid-connected solar PV capacity across 19 locations (see Bangladesh Invites Bids For 1.78 GW AC Solar Power Projects).  

The interim government of Bangladesh had reportedly canceled letters of intent for 37 renewable power projects, thus creating international investor uncertainty. Speaking to The Business Standard in January 2025, the local PV industry shared that investors such as TotalEnergies and Marubeni are reconsidering their investments in the country. 

The local solar industry fears that the erratic policies of the interim government are alarming and that newer tenders carry provisions that allow delays or defaults in payments and power purchase agreement cancelations without adequate compensation.