Bangladesh targets major solar expansion in renewable energy push
Bangladesh plans about 10,000 MW of solar capacity by 2030 as it targets 20% renewable electricity and seeks to reduce dependence on imported fuels
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh is preparing for a major expansion of renewable energy over the next four years, with plans to develop about 10,000 megawatts of solar capacity as it seeks to reduce its dependence on imported fuels and make its electricity supply more secure.
The government is targeting renewable sources for at least 20% of the country’s electricity generation by 2030, rising to 30% by 2040, a significant shift for an energy system that has long depended heavily on gas and imported fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman outlined the targets in a written response to Parliament on Wednesday, saying they form part of the National Renewable Energy Development Strategy 2026-2030.
Solar power will form the backbone of the expansion. Bangladesh plans to develop 5,500 megawatts of rooftop solar capacity and another 4,500 megawatts through larger ground-mounted solar projects by 2030.
The government is also targeting another 450 to 550 megawatts from wind power, waste-to-energy projects, hydropower and floating solar installations, broadening a renewable sector that has so far remained relatively small.
The push could also change how electricity is produced and consumed in Bangladesh by turning homes and businesses with rooftop solar panels into small electricity suppliers.
Under a net-metering program, consumers can first use electricity generated by their rooftop systems and send what they do not need into the national grid.
Those installing eligible systems by Feb. 28, 2027, will be paid 10.50 Bangladeshi taka ($0.08) for each unit of surplus electricity they supply, with the incentive available until February 2030.
Authorities have set the benchmark generation cost for battery-backed rooftop solar at 8 Bangladeshi taka per unit. The higher purchase price includes a profit margin and additional premium intended to encourage households and businesses to invest in solar systems.
Bangladesh is also offering conditional tax and duty exemptions on equipment needed for solar installations, including panels, batteries, inverters and mounting structures, seeking to lower upfront costs that can discourage consumers from switching to renewable power.
The government has introduced separate rules to open government-owned land to renewable projects through public-private partnerships and encourage greater private investment in electricity generation.
The strategy marks an effort to move renewable energy beyond scattered projects and make it a larger part of Bangladesh’s power system, while reducing the country’s vulnerability to the cost and availability of imported energy.
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