top of page
Search

Netrokona 50 MW (IPP) Solar Power Plant

  • 19 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Current Status: Cancelled

Representational Photo (Source: Africa 21)


Netrokona 50 MW Solar Power Plant, was an announced solar power plant situated in Netrokona Sadar Upazila, Netrokona District, Mymensingh Division, Bangladesh (Location: 24.883081, 90.727669) probable. Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) prepared a power purchase proposal and submitted it to the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in 2022. The proposal was still waiting for approval of CCGP  in January 2024. The proposed expected date for commercial operation was 31 December 2025.


Capacity

The  installed capacity of this power plant is 50 MW.


Context  

Netrokona 50 MW power plant is a solar power plant situated in Netrokona, Mymensingh. The state-run Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) invited bids from private sector companies to submit proposals for the plant by August 28, 2018 (FE, 2018). 


Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) prepared a power purchase proposal and submitted it to the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase (CCGP) in 2022. The proposal was waiting for approval of CCGP in June 2022 (BPDB, 2022) and even in January 2024 (BPDB, 2024). The expected date for commercial operation was within 31 December 2025 (BPDB, 2024). Cyclect Holdings is developing this project (PT, 2023). The project's LOI/approval process was effectively cancelled in September 2024 when the interim government repealed the QEEESA 2010 and cancelled contracts of 42 power projects (including 37 renewable ones). In April 2026, Bangladesh's Power Minister announced a review of 31 of these cancelled renewable projects to assess viability for reinstatement (TBS, 2026).


Fuel Supply

The power plant is a solar power plant which runs with the energy from sunlight.


Power Generation

The plant is not in generation yet.


Environment

According to Section 12 of the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act 1995, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is obligatory for any industry (MOLJPA, 1995). The polluting industries, such as power plants, have to go through an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and EIA as directed in the Environmental Conservation Rules  1997 (MOEFCC, 1997). Ground-mounted solar panels present numerous advantages. Positioned strategically on the ground to optimize exposure to sunlight, these panels enhance energy production. Their adaptable placement allows installation in open areas with minimal shading, offering greater flexibility in choosing suitable locations. Beyond contributing to environmental preservation through the generation of clean, renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, ground-mounted solar panels aid in land conservation by utilizing non-arable or unused spaces. Despite these advantages, it is crucial to acknowledge that installing such panels may result in habitat disruption, conflicts over land use, and potential visual impacts. To address these challenges and maximize positive environmental outcomes, meticulous planning and consideration of ecological factors are imperative for ground-mounted solar projects. But unfortunately, no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was found of this project. According to the environmental conservation rule 2023 the project falls in the “Yellow” indicating it as a slightly harmful project for the environment  (MOEFCC 2023).


References

 
 
bottom of page