China-based LONGi Solar has signed several deals to supply photovoltaic (pv) modules to install 1.0 gigawatt (GW) of solar power capacity in Bangladesh.
The deals were signed this week with Desh Energy Ltd., Sundrop Power, Omera Solar, Walton Hi-tech PLC, Beximco Textile, Edison Power, PDL-Greene Solar Power Ltd, and Novelty Energy, among others.
These customers are of both commercial and industrial (C&I) and independent power producer (IPP) segments, and some of them will generate several hundreds megawatt of electricity each, according to LONGi officials.
They said Bangladesh is a typical South Asian country which enjoys up to 2,500 hours of sunshine per year.
"Despite the hot and humid environment in Bangladesh, LONGi's Hi-MO 5 modules cannot only ensure product quality and performance in an all-round way, but also minimise land use and ensure smooth operation of power station with the highest output to achieve maximal electricity production," the company said in a statement.
Presently, all the utility scale solar power projects in Bangladesh are using their Hi-MO 5 series, it added.
In 2020, the same company provided PV modules for the 73 MW Mymensingh solar power plant while in 2021 it supplied modules for the 134.3 MW Mongla solar power plant.
In October 2021, LONGi signed a contract to provide modules for a 280 MW ground-mounted solar power station with Beximco, the largest local conglomerate. The project is expected to be connected to the national grid by this year.
"As a leading pioneer in the Bangladeshi market, LONGi's low-carbon footprint will continue to expand in this country and help the country reach its renewable goal and boost green economy," said LONGi's vice president of APAC region and general manager of the Southeast Asia Representative Office Qing LI.
He said LONGi will continue promoting and seeking to accelerate the global energy transition "with innovative solar products, and work hard to realise the dream of a carbon-negative planet as soon as possible".
"LONGi is the most reliable strategic partner of Omera and I am very sure of becoming the leading EPC company in Bangladesh by working together with LONGi," said Masudur Rahim, CEO of the Omera Renewable Energy Ltd.
Country Manager, Bangladesh for LONGi Solar MM Ahsan Huda said that apart from supplying the pv modules, the company is also providing technical support to local power producers, developers, and C&I clients to help achieve the government's power sector visions.
Bangladesh presently produces 788MW of electricity from renewable sources of which 554.77MW comes from solar sources.
syful-islam@outlook.com