State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit on Saturday formally inaugurated a 5.41877 MWp (DC) / 4.29 MW (AC) rooftop solar power project at Zobaida Karim Jute Mills Limited, located at Joyair Mor in Faridpur.
The project, implemented under the CapEx model, was inaugurated virtually through video conference on Saturday morning, marking another significant milestone in expanding the use of renewable energy in Bangladesh’s industrial sector.
The rooftop solar power project has been connected to the national grid at the 33 kV voltage level through the 33/11 kV Goalchamat substation in Faridpur under West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL).
Following the inauguration, State Minister Anindya Islam Amit joined an exchange meeting with Chairman Jahangir Mia and senior officials of Zobaida Karim Jute Mills Limited.
In his remarks, the State Minister said the company could serve as a model for other private sector industries in adopting renewable energy technologies. He expressed hope that more private companies would come forward with advanced technologies and a stronger commitment to public service in the future.
He also announced that initiatives have been taken to install solar power systems at government buildings, including Deputy Commissioner’s offices, Superintendent of Police offices, and hospitals in 21 districts within the next two to three months.
Zobaida Karim Jute Mills Limited is situated on nearly 120 acres of land, and electricity is being generated through solar panels installed across approximately 304,374 square feet of rooftop space.
The rooftop solar project was implemented with financial support from Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) with the aim of reducing electricity costs in the industrial sector, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, and promoting environmentally friendly power generation.
Experts believe that industrial rooftop solar projects will play an important role in reducing pressure on the national grid, lowering carbon emissions, and strengthening energy security. They noted that wider implementation of similar projects in line with the government’s renewable energy expansion policy would further strengthen Bangladesh’s energy sector.
Officials concerned also believe that the project will not only help meet the electricity demand of the industrial facility but also increase the share of clean energy in the national power system.
The inauguration ceremony, held on the Zoom platform, was also attended virtually by Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, WZPDCL Chairman and Additional Secretary Noor Ahmad, and Bangladesh Power Development Board Member (Distribution) and Acting Managing Director of WZPDCL A.N.M. Obaidullah.
Senior officials of WZPDCL, including executive directors, chief engineers, supervising engineers, executive engineers, as well as Chairman Md. Jahangir Mia of Zobaida Karim Jute Mills Limited, company officials, and project engineers, were present at the event.
