The Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh Limited (EGCB) is set to build another 100MW solar power plant in Sonagazi upazila of Feni. For this purpose, EGCB will form a joint venture with Japanese company Marubini. According to sources at the power division, an agreement to form a joint venture company between Marubini and EGCB is going to be signed soon. EGCB is already in the final stages of constructing a solar power plant in Sonagazi, Feni. Originally designed to generate 50MW of power, it has now been upgraded to produce 100MW. Commercial production is expected to start in October or November, according to EGCB sources. According to EGCB sources, another 100 MW plant will be constructed at Sonagazi in Feni in joint venture with Marubini. Furthermore, EGCB has secured land for the new 100MW plant in Sonagazi, Feni, and is currently in discussions with the Power Development Board (PDB) to determine the electricity pricing framework. EGCB wants to complete the construction of the plant next year.

Why choose Feni coastline

As Sonagazi is a coastal region, there is scope for solar power as well as wind power plant construction. An EGCB official highlighted the ample uncultivated land along the Feni coast, ideally suited for solar power plant construction. These lands often remain fallow for various seasons due to natural disasters like storms and floods, making them prime locations for solar power projects. However, building solar power plants in such coastal areas presents challenges related to tides and wind. To address this, experts have meticulously designed the infrastructure in Sonagazi, ensuring that solar panels can withstand gusts of up to 280km/hr. The plant has also been equipped with protective fencing and drainage systems to mitigate the impact of storms, tides, and potential waterlogging.

Increasing solar power production

Sources at the ministry say that the government wants to rapidly increase solar power production. Keeping this in mind, efforts are being made to build the plant in joint venture with various foreign companies. This increases the possibility of foreign investment, which will help to eliminate the country's dollar crisis. Incidentally, the Japanese company Marubini invests in various sectors apart from energy, infrastructure. Besides solar power, the company also builds wind power plants.

News Link: Another 100MW solar power plant in Feni on the cards