Published: 10:53 AM, 31 August 2026
Govt plans largest solar power plant in Rampal
To enhance energy security through diversification of primary fuel sources, the government has taken an initiative to establish a 442-megawatt solar power plant, the country's largest, in Rampal of Bagerhat.
The estimated cost of the proposed power plant is Tk2,502.39 crore. Of this, Tk2,127 crore will be financed from the fund of Bangladesh Power Development Board, while Tk375.94 crore will come from PDB's own resources.
The project is targeted for completion by December 2030. The proposed tariff for electricity from the plant is Tk6.18 per unit.
The project proposal has already been sent to the Planning Commission for approval.
The PDB acquired 1,834 acres of land in Rampal in 2012, divided into Block-A and Block-B. Block-A currently hosts the coal-fired power plant operated by Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company Limited, while Block-B remains under the PDB, where land development and preparatory work have already been completed.
Although the project was initially planned as a joint venture, the process was halted after the repeal of the Special Power Act 2010 (amended in 2021).
Later, a feasibility study conducted by Infrastructure Investment Facilitation Company in May 2025 recommended establishing a 442MW grid-connected solar power plant on the 685-acre site.
The study noted that minimal additional land development would be required, helping reduce construction costs and lower the unit cost of electricity. It also suggested that implementing the project through international competitive bidding would ensure better pricing.
Electricity demand in Bangladesh is rising steadily due to economic expansion, industrialisation, export-oriented digital industries, ICT sector growth, and improved living standards.
According to the Integrated Energy and Power Master Plan 2023, peak electricity demand is projected to reach 29,257 MW by 2030; 58,597 MW by 2041; and 96,767 MW by 2050. In contrast, the highest generation recorded so far is 16,794 MW (as of 23 July 2025).
Although electricity access has reached nearly 100% of the population, ensuring adequate generation capacity and energy security remains a major challenge.
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