Current Status: Preparation
Source: Energy and Power
Rangunia 55 MW Solar Power Plant, also known as Metito Rangunia Solar PV Park, is a proposed solar Photovoltaic (PV) power plant to be situated on Rangunia Upazila, Chittagong District of Bangladesh (Location:22.4503, 92.0077). It is proposed by Metito Group, a consortium of Aljomaih Energy & Water, Jinko Solar and Metito Utilities (Overseas), with their respective ownership stake of 33% each, as an Independent Power Plant (IPP) for 20 years. As per the schedule, the power plant will start commercial operation by December 2025 and retire in December 2045.
Capacity
The installed capacity of the power plant is 55 MW.
Context
Metito Group has been granted the Rangunia 55-megawatt electric AC grid-tied solar power plant project by the Government of Bangladesh in January 2020. In collaboration with Jinko Power and AlJomaih Group, Metito Group will undertake the project on a build-own-operate (BOO) basis, operating under a 20-year concession agreement (TBS, 2020).
The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), following approval from the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources (MPEMR), awarded the project to the Consortium. The Consortium, identified earlier by BPDB as the lowest bidder offering a competitive tariff of $0.0748/kWh which is the lowest reported tariff in Bangladesh, is set to construct the power plant in Rangunia, Chattogram, on land provided by BPDB. The project is anticipated to be commissioned by the second half of 2021 and will be connected to the 132/33 kilovolts Chandraghona grid substation via a single circuit of 132-kilovolt line (MECN, 2020).
According to BPDB in 2023, the power plant is still in the phase of evaluation of tender and set to come in operation by December 2025 and as per schedule it will retire in December 2045 (BPDB, 2023).
Land Acquisition
The total land area allocated for the power plant by BPDB is 149.259 Acres (BPDB 2023).
Finance
The financial support will be given by sponsored companies as it is an Independent Power Plant (IPP) (SREDA, 2024).
Sponsor
The proposal is put forth by Metito Group, a consortium of Aljomaih Energy & Water, Jinko Solar, and Metito Utilities (Overseas), each holding an ownership stake of 33% (PT, 2023; TBS, 2020).
Contractors
The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor is unknown yet (SREDA, 2024).
Fuel Supply
The power plant is a solar power plant which runs with the energy from sunlight.
Power Generation
The plant is not in generation yet.
Environment
Ground-mounted solar panels offer several advantages. Placed strategically on the ground to optimize sunlight exposure, these panels increase energy production. Their flexibility in positioning allows placement in open areas with minimal shading, providing more freedom to choose suitable sites. In addition to contributing to environmental conservation by generating clean, renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ground-mounted solar panels help conserve land resources by utilizing non-arable or unused spaces. Despite these benefits, it's crucial to recognize that installing these panels may lead to habitat disruption, land-use conflicts, and potential visual impacts. To address these challenges and maximize positive environmental impacts, careful planning and consideration of ecological factors are essential for ground-mounted solar projects.
References
BPDB (2023). “Power Sector Progress Report”. Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB): 10 December 2023.
BPDB (2023). “Tender Document For Construction of 50MWp (DC) Solar Photovoltaic Grid Tied Power Plant at Rangunia, Chattogram, Bangladesh on Turnkey Basis” BPDB
MECN (2020). “Metito wins 55 MW solar power plant project in Bangladesh – Exclusive interview”
PT (2023). “Power plant profile: Metito Rangunia Solar PV Park, Bangladesh”. Power Technology (PT): 14 November 2023
SREDA (2024). “SREDA | National Database of Renewable Energy”. Sustainable And Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA): accessed on 3 January 2024
TBS (2020). “Metito Group led consortium awarded to build solar power plant in Chattogram”. The Business Standard (TBS): 14 January 2020.