Bangladesh has introduced a new regulatory framework to develop utility-scale solar projects on land owned by government agencies, with the Bangladesh Power Development Board acting as the contracting authority.
The government of Bangladesh has introduced a public-private partnership (PPP) framework for the development of solar projects on land owned by government agencies, with the aim of boosting green power generation amid ongoing energy shocks.
The Power Division last week unveiled the policy framework titled “Guidelines for Development of Renewable Energy Projects Using Land Owned by Government Agencies under PPP Modality”.
Under the new model, public land will be made available to private investors for utility-scale renewable energy projects, with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) acting as the contracting authority.
“The government is pleased to issue these guidelines which aim to facilitate the use of unused or underutilized public land for renewable energy deployment while ensuring transparency, competitive procurement and institutional coordination within the PPP framework,” the Power Division said.
The framework brings together key stakeholders, including Power Grid, the PPP Authority and project developers, in a structured implementation process. A Government Facilitation Agreement (GFA) has been proposed to support the bankability of projects.
Industry experts in the field of implementing utility-scale solar projects have welcomed the initiative, saying it will significantly boost solar power generation by easing land constraints faced by private developers.
The framework aims to accelerate the transition to clean and sustainable energy generation in accordance with the Renewable Energy Policy 2025.
Imran Chowdhury, director of the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), said utility-scale solar projects will play a key role in achieving the target of 10,000 MW of solar capacity by 2030.
“One of the main obstacles for such projects is access to suitable land and the time required to reach a stage of construction readiness. The new PPP directive, where government agencies facilitate land, is therefore a very impactful step,” he shared. pv magazine.
Chowdhury added that improved land availability would accelerate project development and unlock a strong, profitable pipeline of large-scale solar projects. It would also help position Bangladesh as an attractive destination for foreign investment.
However, Chowdhury noted that achieving the target will depend on whether the PPP contract and the Government Facilitation Agreement can provide bankable structures to support long-term financing.
“It is equally important for the government to establish a clear annual implementation timeline, from tender to grid connection, to ensure timely completion of the project,” he said.
Bangladesh currently generates approximately 1,734 MW of electricity from renewable sources, of which 1,441 MW comes from solar energy.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
