A view of the Mymensingh Solar Power Project is taken in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. (PHOTO: XINHUA)

By Staff Reporters

China's shift towards clean energy development under the Belt and Road Initiative is poised to reshape Bangladesh's energy landscape, as evidenced by recent initiatives aimed at transitioning from coal to renewable energy.

Located approximately 120 kilometers from the capital city Dhaka, stands Bangladesh's second-largest solar power station. Around 170,000 solar panels imported from China convert sunlight into electricity, illuminating local homes.The Mymensingh Solar Power Project was initiated in 2019 with the aim of meeting Bangladesh's electricity demands and improving the local energy structure.

This ambitious endeavor was undertaken by Huaxin Power, a subsidiary of China Huadian Corporation Overseas Investment Co.Ltd, and constructed by Fujian Yongfu Electric Power Design Co.Ltd. At the end of 2020, the project was operational, marking it as Bangladesh's largest solar power station at the time.

"Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was completed in just about a year," said Faisal, a local engineer involved in the project.He also noted that this project was Bangladesh's first solar project built according to Chinese standards, providing impetus to Bangladesh's advancement in renewable energy and earningrecognition from various departments, including the Bangladesh Power Development Board.

Over the past three years of operation, the power station has generated approximately 300 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, becoming a crucial power source in central Bangladesh. Local resident Uddin is grateful, sayingthe solar power station has greatly benefited the community, with many of his relatives and friends now employed there.

The station has also obtained an international Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) certification in 2023 and is reducing carbon emissions in Bangladesh, granting the country the right to engage in carbon asset transactions.

"We hope to actively practice a green development business model in Bangladesh, promoting local economic development and improving livelihoods, while also using investment to propel Chinese technology, standards, and equipment onto the global stage," said Zhou Jinshun, Chairman of Huaxin Power.