Current Status: Operation
Source: Solarland
Sirajganj 6.55 MW Solar Power Plant, also known as NWPGCL Sirajganj Solar Park, is a solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant situated in Soyedpur near the Jamuna Bridge under Sirajganj Sadar Upazila in Sirajganj District of Bangladesh (Location: 24.3905, 89.7482). It is sponsored by North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL), a State-owned Enterprise (SOE) under the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), as a Public Power Plant (PPP) for 20 years. NWPGCL declared its Commercial Operation Date (COD) on 30 March 2021, and, as per schedule, the power plant will retire on 29 March 2041.
Capacity
The power plant’s installed (gross) and derated (net) capacity is 7.6 MW and 6.55 MW, respectively.
Sponsor
The Sirajganj 6.55 MW Solar Power Plant is sponsored by the North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL), which operates as an enterprise under the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). NWPGCL, as a state-owned entity, is actively involved in the planning, development, and management of power generation projects in Bangladesh (NWPGCL, 2024).
Fuel
Sunlight is used as the fuel of the power plant.
Financiers
The financing of the Power Plant involves collaboration between Agrani Bank Limited and the North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL), with a distribution of 70% and 30%, respectively. Agrani Bank Limited, a prominent financial institution in Bangladesh, plays a crucial role in supporting the project financially. This partnership signifies the synergy between the banking sector and the power generation industry, working together to facilitate the development of sustainable and renewable energy infrastructure (NWPGCL, 2024).
Contractors
Construction (EPC) contract was signed on December 27, 2018. The EPC contractor for this project is M/s. Zhongnan Engineering Corporation Limited, a company based in China. The selection of an experienced EPC contractor is crucial for the successful implementation of solar power projects, as they are responsible for the design, procurement of materials, and construction of the facility.
In terms of solar panel manufacturing, the Sirajganj Solar Power Plant-sourced panels from Jinko Solar, a well-known solar panel manufacturer. Jinko Solar is a reputable global company that produces high-quality solar modules (NWPGCL, 2024).
Environment
Sirajganj 6.55 MW (NWPGCL) Solar Power Plant is also an Agrovoltaics power plant besides a solar power plant. Many vegetable plants have been planted under the solar panels. Which are growing successfully. Some of the plants are potatoes, nuts, lettuce, Colocasia, and eggplant. This type of power plant is very environmentally friendly as these are the source of generating power and potentially used for vegetation purposes meeting the needs of the locality. Besides carbon emission of solar power plants approximately is 15.60 times less than HFO power plants, 9.10 times less than DFG power plants, and 16.55 times less than coal power plants.
References
NWPGCL (2024). “Sirajganj 6.55 MW (AC) Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant”. North-West Power Generation Company Limited (NWPGCL): 3 January 2024.