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Teesta 100 MW (Zhejiang-CMC) Solar Power Plant

  • energytransitionbd
  • May 25, 2024
  • 3 min read

Current Status: Canceled

Representational Photo: (TBP 2023)


Teesta 100 MW Solar Power Plant, is a proposed floating solar power plant situated in Teesta barrage area in Nilphamari District of Bangladesh (Location: 25.9399, 88.8469) probable. It is proposed by the Consortium of Zhejiang DunAn New Energy Co. Ltd, China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC), Solar Tech Power Ltd and Amity Solar Ltd, as a private Independent Power Producer (IPP) for 20 years. As per schedule, the power plant is to start commercial operation in 18 months from the proposal date but it was canceled later.


Capacity

The  installed capacity of this power plant is 100 MW.


Context

Teesta 100 MW solar power plant was a proposed floating solar power plant which was sponsored by the Consortium of Zhejiang DunAn New Energy Co. Ltd, China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC), Solar Tech Power Ltd and Amity Solar Ltd, as a private Independent Power Producer (IPP) for 20 years (DS, 2017). On 1 March 2017, the cabinet committee on purchase granted approval for the establishment of four power plants, this power plant was one of them. The government intends to procure electricity at a rate ranging from BDT 10.40 to BDT 11.20 per kilowatt-hour unit  (DS, 2017). Power division officials have indicated that funds for these power plants will be secured from international banks and financial institution. The precise investment details from the companies will be known upon the completion of the projects, which are required to be finished within 18 months from the agreement signings (TDS, 2017). According to the proposal, the consortium is responsible for the investment in land purchase and other expenses as well as the evacuation line of 40 km. The power plant got canceled later (GEM, 2023).


Land Acquisition

No information has been found as the power plant was canceled.


Finance

BDT 3628.80 crore may be invested by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) for purchasing electricity with a PLF 18.50% under ‘no electricity no payment’ basis (DS, 2017). 


Sponsor

It is proposed by the Consortium of Zhejiang DunAn New Energy Co. Ltd, China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation, Solar Tech Power Ltd and Amity Solar Ltd  (DS, 2017). 


Contractors

No information has been found about the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor as it was canceled.


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

According to Section 12 of the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act 1995, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is obligatory for any industry (MOLJPA, 1995). The polluting industries, such as power plants, have to go through an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and EIA as directed in the Environmental Conservation Rules 2017 (MOEFCC, 1997). Floating solar, a relatively new concept patented in 2008, involves placing photovoltaic panels on large bodies of water, such as basins, lakes, reservoirs, and levees. Unlike traditional solar farms that require vast land space, floating solar eliminates land use concerns and environmental impact. The buoyant structures prevent panels from sinking and offer advantages such as avoiding overheating, as water provides a cooling effect. Additionally, floating solar helps conserve water by reducing evaporation, mitigating drought risks, and providing shade that curbs algae growth. While installation costs are higher due to specialized equipment and expertise, the benefits, especially for large-scale applications like businesses and community solar projects, outweigh the drawbacks compared to traditional rooftop solar for residential homes. According to the environmental conservation rule 2023 the project falls in the “Orange” indicating it as a moderately harmful project for the environment (MOEFCC 2023).


Reference

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