The Government of Bangladesh has awarded the Rangunia 55-megawatts electric (MWe) ac grid-tied solar power plant project to the Consortium led by Metito Group together with Jinko Power and AlJomaih Group (the Consortium). The project will be developed on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis under a 20 years concession agreement, which is in line with the Government’s vision to secure a more balanced energy-mix and a reduction in environmental pollution in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), pursuant to approval from the Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR), awarded the project to the Consortium. BPDB had earlier announced the Consortium as the lowest bidder with the competitive tariff of $0.0748/kWh — the lowest tariff ever reported in Bangladesh.

The Consortium will build the power plant in Rangunia, Chattogram on a land provided by BPDB and is well-equipped to commission the project by the second half of the year 2021. The power plant will be connected to the 132/33 kilovolts Chandraghona grid substation by a single circuit (ckt) 132 kilo volts line.

Metito is a global leader and provider of choice for total intelligent water management solutions with over 60 years of experience covering three business areas: design and build, specialty chemicals, and utilities. Metito has recently extended its unmatched experience developing Public Private Partnership Projects (PPPs) in the water sector to cover the alternative energy sector with focus on developing solar, wind and waste-to-energy power projects. Rangunia’s 55-MWe ac grid-tied solar power plant is the first alternative energy project for Metito in Bangladesh.

Rami Ghandour, Metito Managing Director said; “Bangladesh has a very progressive leadership and such projects, which harness the power of alternative or renewable energy, are a true testament to a visionary approach towards sustainability. We are honored to be part of this truly synergistic and formidable Consortium where all partners bring unique expertise to the mix, maximizing shared value to our client and to the community we will be serving. We look forward to working closely with BPDB to move to the next stages of the project and we are confident that it will be a huge success.”

Jinko Power is a leading competitive independent solar power producer that develops, builds, finances, owns and operates solar power plants across the world, aiming to make solar a sustainable and affordable source of energy worldwide. By the end of year 2019, Jinko owns and operates nearly 350 solar photovoltaics (PV) projects globally with about 3.1 gigawatts (GW) of solar PV operating assets in China alone. Jinko is also the owner and operator of the world’s largest solar PV plant, the 1.77 GW Sweihan plant. The company contributes hands-on technical and operational experience to the Consortium which will ensure a smooth and sustainable operation of the plant.

AlJomaih Energy and Water (AEW) is the energy and water arm of AlJomaih Holding Company, one of the most prominent businesses in Saudi Arabia with business interests ranging from automotive sales to service, spares and lubricants. AEW is a developer of large-scale power and water assets in Asia, Africa and Middle East. Ibrahim M. Aljomaih, Chief Executive Officer of Aljomaih Energy and Water, said; “This milestone renewable project is of the utmost importance to us as it demonstrates our commitment to the Bangladeshi Energy Sector – the primary growth engine for the entire Bangladeshi economy. AlJomaih Energy and Water has operated in this critical sector in Bangladesh for the past 12 years and we are pleased to reaffirm our confidence in the country’s economy by participating in this project and by being a positive force in Bangladesh’s drive towards renewable energy and sustained economic growth.”