BPDB launches 2.65 GW solar tender

Staff Reporter :

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has issued a tender for 2.65 GW of solar capacity, aiming to develop 14 solar power projects ranging from 105 MW to 250 MW.

The government plans to establish these solar plants near substations located in Mymensingh, Chattogram, Gopalganj, Netrokona, Jashore, Dinajpur, Noakhali, Narayanganj, Kushtia, Pabna, Tangail, and Moulvibazar.

Successful bidders will be awarded 20-year power purchase agreements (PPAs), with the deadline for proposal submissions set for 28 May.

However, BPDB has faced challenges in attracting investors. Between December and January, 41 solar projects with capacities ranging from 10 MW to 100 MW, intended to generate a total of 2.63 GW, failed to receive any bids, prompting repeated deadline extensions.

Golam Mortuza, director of the Bangladeshi independent power producer Cell-1, told pv magazine that BPDB eased certain conditions following investor feedback and may consider further revisions.

Nevertheless, investors remain cautious, citing the projects as “not bankable” due to the absence of government guarantees and difficulties in securing financing.

Developers and lenders have also expressed concerns over Bangladesh being designated as the place of arbitration.