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Robi Axiata PLC on Wednesday signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the development and operation of a 100 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power park in Bangladesh.
The telecom operator signed the agreement with FloSolar Solutions Ltd., a renewable energy project developer, and GreenPower Asia, a wholly-owned subsidiary of France's Volta Groupe, at Robi's corporate headquarters in Dhaka, aiming to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.
Perihane Elhamy Ahmed Metaweh, Chief Technology Officer of Robi, Mustafa Azim Kasem Khan, Founder and Managing Director of FloSolar, and Pierrick Morier, President of GreenPower, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.
The deal signals a major shift in Bangladesh's power sector, leveraging the government's forthcoming policy on Merchant Power Plants that will allow private entities to sell power without long-term state off-take agreements.
The power park will be developed under a build-own-operate (BOO) model, with Robi acting as the sole power off-taker through a long-term Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA).
Several potential sites have already been shortlisted, with the final location to be confirmed following a detailed feasibility study, including assessment of nearby substation capacity for efficient power evacuation.
The signing ceremony was attended by key industry stakeholders and dignitaries, including Robi Acting CEO and CFO M. Riyaaz Rasheed, and Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer Sahed Alam.
Also present were Julien Duer, Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy in Dhaka, who lauded GreenPower Asia's investment commitment, and Tashfiqul Alam Khan, Technical Director of FloSolar Solutions Ltd.
Speaking at the event, Riyaaz Rasheed emphasised the transformative nature of the initiative, stating: "Together with FloSolar and GreenPower Asia, we're setting a bold example in renewable energy, driving real impact toward climate resilience."
Robi's CTO Perihane Metaweh, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, calling it a "game-changer" in the company's sustainability journey.
"By securing 100 MWp of renewable energy through a CPPA, we are not only reducing our reliance on fossil fuels but also driving cost efficiency and ESG leadership in Bangladesh's telecom sector," she said.
The solar park is expected to play a critical role in decarbonising Robi's operations and advancing the company's ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) agenda.
A parallel feasibility study will also explore the potential for solarising up to 16,000 of Robi's base transceiver station (BTS) sites, aiming to transition a significant portion of its mobile network to clean energy.
Mustafa Azim Kasem Khan of FloSolar noted that the initiative showcases how public-private partnerships, backed by progressive government policy, can drive renewable energy adoption.
"This project will serve as a model for future merchant-based clean energy initiatives in Bangladesh," he said, thanking GreenPower for its commitment to mobilising large-scale foreign direct investment (FDI).
GreenPower has already secured €100 million in financing and operates or is constructing over 200 MWp of renewable capacity, with an additional 500 MWp in the pipeline.
"Our collaboration with Robi and FloSolar underscores the transformative potential of solar energy in emerging markets," said Pierrick Morier, President of GreenPower.
Robi estimates that the solar park will reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 68,200 tonnes annually.
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