Photo: Collected

DHAKA, May 14, 2026 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), in collaboration with the PPP Authority and the Power Division, is advancing the country’s first pilot solar power project in a national economic zone under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

A market sounding workshop was held today at Biniyog Bhaban in the city to engage stakeholders and prospective investors regarding the proposed “130-140 MW (AC) Grid-Tied Solar Power Plus Battery Storage Project”.

The project will be implemented on 412 acres of BEZA-owned land in Sonagazi Upazila of Feni. 

The initiative aims to establish a bankable and sustainable solar energy model that can be replicated nationwide by utilizing unused government land for renewable energy production.

Under the proposed framework, the plant will have a generation capacity of 130-140 MW (AC) with integrated battery storage facilities.

 The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) will serve as both the contracting authority and the purchaser of the electricity generated by the project.

 The procurement process is expected to begin by August 2026.

Speaking as the chief guest, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood said the government intends to spark a revolution in the solar sector similar to the transformation achieved in the garment industry.

 He added that an investment-friendly renewable energy policy is expected to be unveiled by June to support private sector participation.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit said expanding solar power generation is essential to reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported fuels and strengthen grid stability.

The initiative will be developed under the newly approved “Guidelines for Development of Renewable Energy Projects using Land Owned by Government Agencies under PPP Modality, 2026.”

 An MoU between BEZA and BPDB was signed on May 7, 2026, formalizing their respective roles as land owner and contracting authority.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing technical support for the project, including feasibility studies, financial modeling, environmental impact assessments, and legal evaluations. 

The ADB is also assisting with the international competitive bidding process to ensure transparent tariff determination.

Executive Chairman of BEZA Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, who chaired the workshop, said the project represents a strategic effort to attract private investment while making productive use of government-owned land. 

Once operational, the solar plant is expected to provide uninterrupted electricity to industrial zones and significantly reduce carbon emissions within the national power grid, he added.