# Bangladesh solar energy expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bangladesh-solar-energy-expansion
> Updated: 2026-08-04T12:50:54.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026 Bangladesh’s state‑owned Electricity Generation Bangladesh PLC opened an international competitive bidding process for a 220 MW utility‑scale solar photovoltaic plant in Sonagazi, Feni District. The project, financed with a mix of forward lease, loan and grant support from the Islamic Development Bank, reflects the country’s broader strategy to increase clean‑energy capacity as its total solar stock stood at about 1.1 GW at the end of the previous year.

A few days later, attention shifted to the rapid growth of distributed renewable energy. Rooftop solar installations were reported to be approaching 1 GW, far above official figures, with a pipeline of another 500 MW. Analysts highlighted policy hurdles such as a steep duty increase on industrial rooftop panels and delays in net‑metering approvals, recommending duty waivers and faster permitting to help Bangladesh meet its 2030 target of 5.5 GW of new rooftop capacity within an overall renewable goal of 10.45 GW.

Together, the snapshots illustrate Bangladesh’s dual‑track approach: advancing large‑scale solar projects through competitive procurement while simultaneously scaling up rooftop solar to improve energy security and climate resilience.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-04: Bangladesh rooftop solar capacity nears 1 GW as distributed renewable push accelerates

Bangladesh’s rooftop solar capacity is projected to near 1 GW, outpacing official figures. Experts urge duty waivers and faster net‑metering to meet the 5.5 GW target by 2030.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-rooftop-solar-capacity-nears-1-gw-as-distributed-renewable-push-accelerates

### 2026-07-30: Bangladesh Launches Bidding for 220 MW Sonagazi Solar Power Plant

Bangladesh’s Electricity Generation Bangladesh has opened competitive bids for the 220 MW Sonagazi solar plant in Feni, with a September 15 deadline and funding from the Islamic Development Bank.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bangladesh-launches-bidding-for-220-mw-sonagazi-solar-power-plant

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Cite as: Bangladesh solar energy expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bangladesh-solar-energy-expansion