Bangladesh ships locally made solar modules to US

In a landmark move marking the country's entry into the global clean energy supply chain, Bangladesh has begun exporting solar modules, transitioning from a sole importer to an international supplier.

Radiant Alliance Limited, a sister concern of East Coast Group, recently dispatched its first consignment to the United States.

It achieved the historic milestone by becoming the first Bangladeshi company to export solar photovoltaic modules, according to the company officials.

"This landmark accomplishment reflects the strength of Bangladesh's entrepreneurial spirit, manufacturing excellence, and growing global competitiveness in clean energy solutions," said Masudur Rahim, chief executive officer of Radiant Alliance Limited.

The first consignment, stuffed in a 40-foot container, has been sent to the US for a company namely CleanGrid Incorporation, which will source a total of 64.60 MW solar pv modules from the Radiant.

The size of the modules is 100Wp and 200Wp, prepared as per buyers' specification.

Radiant is also in talks with another US-based company for exporting a total of 300 MW solar modules which now sources panels from Indonesia and the Philippines.

"As the world embraces sustainable alternatives, Radiant Alliance Limited is proud to lead the way in bringing 'Made in Bangladesh' solar technology to the international stage," said Mr Rahim.

Radiant has a solar panel manufacturing unit in Ashulia, outskirt of the capital, having an annual production capacity of 600 MW.

East Coast Group's another sister concern, Omera Renewable Energy Limited, is also engaged in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), and so far installed over 75 MW of rooftop solutions across the country.

Bangladesh meets its demand of solar pv modules by importing mainly from China while some local manufacturers also supply a minimal volume of the items in the domestic market.

Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA), applauded the achievement saying the country was almost depending on imports in case of solar modules.

"Now a Bangladeshi company is exporting pv module which is a big achievement for the country," he said.

Mr Mahmud said the government needs to provide incentives to promote such factories and help enhance foreign currency earnings for the country.

Bangladesh presently has the capacity to generate 1,563 MW of electricity from renewables. Of the total volume, some 1,270 MW comes from solar alone.

The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) between last December and January this year floated tenders for 41 solar power plants totaling 2.63 GW which are now at different stages of bidding process.

Moreover, in March, electricity distribution agency the Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited also floated tender to set up 120 MW of solar power plants, mainly rooftops, in its jurisdiction across Dhaka.

syful-islam@outlook.com