The interim government of Bangladesh has paid over Tk 18,631 crore in foreign electricity bills over the past year. Major dues, including from India’s Adani Power, have been settled, and multiple cost-saving steps have been taken. Additionally, initiatives have been launched to boost solar power and reduce environmental impact.
Adani’s Dues Significantly Reduced
According to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, around Tk 5,000 crore was paid to Adani Power Limited out of a total due of Tk 7,934.89 crore. The remaining dues now stand at Tk 2,363.50 crore in Foreign Electricity Bills.
Over Tk 6,479 Crore in Savings Planned
To reduce costs in the power sector, the government introduced several steps:
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Service charges on fuel imports for private plants have been cut from 9% to 5%, saving Tk 470 crore.
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Fuel shipment sizes were increased from 15,000 to 20,000 metric tons, saving Tk 354 crore.
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Matarbari coal power tariff set at Tk 8.4475—lower than the average selling price of Tk 8.95—could save Tk 2,500 crore annually.
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Older Rental Plants Shut Down
Ten outdated Independent Power Producers (IPPs) with 1,010 MW capacity were shut down, saving the government Tk 525 crore. Additionally, cost-saving initiatives worth Tk 2,630 crore are underway via state-owned power companies.
“We’ve requested the NBR to reduce the 6% source tax on government power producers,” said ministry sources.
Translation:
“সরকারি বিদ্যুৎ উৎপাদন কোম্পানিগুলোর ৬ শতাংশ উৎসে কর কমানোর লক্ষ্যে জাতীয় রাজস্ব বোর্ডকে অনুরোধ করা হয়েছে।”
Major Solar Projects and Rooftop Initiatives Launched
As part of the new Renewable Energy Policy 2025, published in the Bangladesh Gazette on June 16:
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Rooftop solar systems will be installed on all govt, educational, and healthcare buildings.
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If implemented, this will add 2,000–3,000 MW to the national grid by December 2025.
Solar Tender Details
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55 solar projects totaling 5,238 MW are in progress via open tender in four phases.
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Package sizes range from 0–150 MW.
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Hundreds of bids were submitted across packages, showing high interest.
Merchant Power Policy 2025
A draft policy has been shared on BPDB and Power Division websites. It focuses on promoting private solar electricity sales.
New Solar Projects Underway
Three more government solar plants are planned:
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20 MW in Barapukuria
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50 MW in Rangunia
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7.6 MW in Kaptai
Waste-to-Energy and Battery Storage Initiatives
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A 3,220 MW solar plant in Sonagazi is planned with ISDE funding.
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A committee has been formed to assess a 65 MW solar+battery project in Gazaria.
Regular Safety Inspections Continue
The Chief Electrical Inspector’s Office inspects key installations each month to prevent accidents and ensure safety.
National Grid Frequency Improved
Due to spinning reserve increases and new technologies:
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Power grid frequency is now more stable.
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FGMOs introduced in coal plants improved performance significantly.
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Number of plants running with FGMO tech: 61
Frequency Normal Time Increased
From Jan–June 2024 vs. Jan–June 2025, time within normal frequency range (49.5–50.5 Hz) increased by 1,876 minutes.
Govt Reduces Subsidy Demand by Tk 10,000 Crore
Last year’s electricity subsidy demand was Tk 47,000 crore, which has now been reduced to Tk 37,000 crore, thanks to the government’s efficient policies.
Source: TBS
