Agreement signed to establish 10MW solar power plant, distribution system at Bhasanchar

A contract has been signed for the construction of a 10 MWp solar power plant with a 16 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated electricity distribution facilities at Bhasanchar Island in Hatiya upazila of Noakhali District.

The contract was signed at 12 noon on Thursday between the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and Suhua-PSDC JV, a joint venture between China-based Suhua Construction Group Co., Ltd. and Bangladesh-based Power System Development Co Ltd. The joint venture was selected as the lowest evaluated bidder for the project.

The total contract value is BDT 1,675,475,855, approximately BDT 167.55 crore. Of this, USD 9,049,500 is in foreign currency and BDT 568,812,500 is in local currency. The project has an implementation period of 18 months.

Titled “Electrification at Bhasanchar of Noakhali District,” the project is being implemented by BPDB under the Host and FDMNs/DRPs Enhancement of Lives through a Multi-Sectoral Approach (HELP) Project, with financial assistance from the World Bank.

As Bhasanchar Island is outside the national electricity grid, the project is being developed as an off-grid hybrid power system integrating solar generation, battery energy storage and associated electricity distribution facilities.

The 16 MWh BESS to be installed under the project will be one of the largest battery energy storage systems in Bangladesh.

The project is expected to reduce Bhasanchar’s dependence on diesel-based power generation while improving the reliability of electricity supply. It will also contribute to expanding the use of renewable energy and establishing a more environmentally friendly and sustainable power system on the island.

Upon completion, the project is expected to provide a more reliable, sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity supply to people living in Bhasanchar as well as various government and non-government organisations and institutions operating there.

The project will also contribute to meeting the island’s growing long-term electricity demand and supporting its sustainable development.

On behalf of the Bangladesh Power Development Board, Board Secretary (Additional Charge) Ms Afroza Sultana signed the agreement, while Manager Mr Jiang Ruihua signed on behalf of Suhua Construction Group Co. Ltd.