The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) is set to issue tenders for the development of 10 grid-connected solar power plants, each with a capacity of 50 MW, totaling 500 MW. This initiative follows the interim government’s decision to suspend contracts under the Special Enhancement of Power and Energy Supply Act, 2010, leaving the future of 34 previously proposed solar projects in limbo.
Under the Special Act, which has faced criticism for enabling corruption and awarding contracts to underqualified firms, the government is now shifting to an open tender process for future projects. The interim government, led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, has announced this policy change, emphasizing transparency and competition. Private sponsors who invested in the halted solar projects are now seeking to secure contracts through competitive bidding. BPDB intends to focus on sites with existing grid infrastructure for the new solar plants. Private firms will finance the projects, with BPDB purchasing the generated electricity. The tender process is expected to commence shortly.