DHAKA, Mar 20, 2024 (BSS)-Commissioning of 60-MW wind power plant, the government has advanced the clean energy ratio in country’s total electricity generation, as it started commercial operation from March 8, official sources said.

“Today we are supplying 18MW electricity. It depends on the wind speed. We can supply more if breeze is enough. We have already supplied 60MW power to the national grid,” Manager (Project and Planning) US-DK Green Energy Limited Eng Mukit Alam Khan told BSS today over phone.

He said that a total of 22 turbines were installed to generate 60 MW power from the wind, of which each turbine having 3-MW electricity generation capacity, adding, “Two more turbines were installed as standby for back up support.”

According to Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), US-DK Green Energy (BD) Limited installed the country's first and largest wind energy project at Khurushkul in Cox's Bazar, which was started commercial generation with the supply of 18MW-25MW electricity average to the national grid.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said that the commissioning of a 60 MW onshore wind power project has marked a significant milestone in Bangladesh's progress in the clean energy sector.

“This achievement not only highlights Bangladesh's commitment to reduce its dependence on traditional energy sources but also shows its willingness to cooperate with developed countries including Germany in renewable energy,” he said.

He also told BSS that the project was created a new path to produce environment friendly renewable energy through clean and sources, as the Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is committed to increase clean energy stake in phases.

“Renewable energy will play an important role power generation in future. The contribution of renewable energy in the energy mix of the country has been growing. Now we are generating some 1223 MW power from renewable sources,” Nasrul Hamid said.

Bangladesh's limited land availability poses a significant challenge for large-scale renewable projects. In the most ambitious scenario, Bangladesh's draft national solar energy action plan calls for around 41GW of solar power by 2041. Additionally, the country needs more local capacity to develop and apply renewable technologies and formulate relevant policies.

Nasrul Hamid, however, said more wind power plants will be set up in different locations of the country.

“Bangladesh is now enjoying 100% electrification due to the visionary and prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We have reached power to all the people from inaccessible hills to isolated char areas successfully,” he said.

The government started the Solar Home System (SHS) programmes to fulfill the basic electricity requirement of the off-grid rural people of the country.

Up to March 2024, about 60,37,689 SHSs have been installed in the remote areas where electrification through gird expansion is challenging and costly.

Thus the programmes have ensured supply of solar electricity to over 20 million people i.e. 12% of the country’s total population who previously used kerosene lamps for lighting purpose.

Denmark further expressed its interest in supporting renewable energy, maritime and blue economy sectors, among others. Once implemented, this offshore wind project will be the first of its kind in Bangladesh and possibly South Asia, enabling a technology transfer that would accelerate the learning curve for a nascent industry and reduce barriers to entry into future projects.