Bangladesh plans to generate 10,000 MW of solar power by 2030, offering investor incentives while accelerating gas exploration to strengthen energy security and ensure reliable electricity supplies nationwide.
Bangladesh is prioritising private sector investment to achieve its target of generating 10,000 megawatts of solar power by 2030 while accelerating onshore and offshore gas exploration to address the country’s prolonged energy shortage, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku said.
Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed national budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on the 17th day of the second and first sessions of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliament on Sunday, the minister said the government expects to complete the international bidding process for new gas exploration projects by November this year.
Tuku said the government has granted duty exemptions on equipment and batteries used in the solar power sector along with tax holidays until 2031. He said the incentives are expected to attract both domestic and foreign investment and accelerate the expansion of Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector.
He said the government would also encourage investment in electricity generation from wind energy and waste alongside solar power.
The minister said that despite increasing the share of renewable energy, gas and oil-fired power plants would need to remain available as standby generation capacity to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply.
He said solar power generation cannot remain consistent throughout the year because of weather conditions and seasonal variations, making conventional power plants necessary to maintain reliable electricity production.
