PROINSO Collaborates With Joules Power on the First Utility Scale Solar Project in Bangladesh
MUMBAI and SLOUGH, United Kingdom: PROINSO, a global leader in the solar energy market has supplied a 28 MWp utility scale project in Bangladesh, the first-of-its-kind in the country
PROINSO UK has been working in partnership with Joules Power Limited (JPL) on a 28 MWp utility scale project, utilising an innovative financing solution from GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and supported by the governments of the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Australia. The project is a demonstration of both PROINSO’s business philosophy and global capabilities in solar projects. PROINSO believes that strong collaboration between global and local businesses and institutions is key to achieving long-term sustainable growth and reaching renewable energy targets, as defined by the Paris Agreement.
Technaf Solartech Energy Limited (TSEL) is the first utility scale solar project in Bangladesh delivered within the 1.6 GW solar project pipeline announced last year. The project is located in Teknaf, a sub-district of Cox’s Bazar, in the Division of Chittagong. It forms the southernmost point of mainland Bangladesh and has a population of over 200,000.
The solar PV plant has an installed capacity of 28 MWp. The expected annual yield for year one is 43,000 MWh and at peak production the plant supply will cover up to 80% of the present electricity demand of the entire Teknaf region. The reduction in CO2emissions over the next 20 years is estimated to be around 400,000 tons.
Project funding has been secured through debt finance by Standard Chartered Bank (Bangladesh and UK) and One Bank(Bangladesh). PIDG company GuarantCo, is working with the project parties to be able to provide an unconditional credit guarantee for over 50% of the project debt. On the successful reach of financial close the loan tenor is expected to be extended to 15 years for both local currency and USD debt. With the implementation of this pioneering funding solution, GuarantCo will be providing a risk guarantee for a significant portion of the TSEL project debt.
Bangladesh, the export-oriented country whose economy is growing at 7% Year-on-Year, is already facing electricity shortfalls. Rising electricity demand is projected to reach 34,000 MW by 2030 while the installed generation capacity is currently around 16 GW. In order to help boost economic growth the Government of Bangladesh is planning to increase power generation beyond expected demand with total investment in the sector estimated at $70.5 billion. According to recent media reports, Bangladesh is planning to diversify its energy mix, currently heavily based on natural gas, by increasing the share of renewable energy to 10% by 2020.
Rayan Moyeen, Operations Director at Joules Power Limited, said: “TSEL has overcome various challenges and obstacles; advocating for and even affecting policy changes for the renewable energy sector, paving the way for easier implementation of future projects for all. It is truly a pleasure to be able to aid our country in contributing to the global clean energy revolution to battle the threats of global warming and climate change.”
Following a successful collaboration on their first project, PROINSO and Joules Power are planning to strengthen their relationship on future projects through EPM partnership. EPM is PROINSO’s project unit offering a comprehensive service suite for projects of all scales, delivered by local construction partners and reinforced by PROINSO’s engineering, procurement and management capabilities. This is enhanced by PROINSO’s international platform, industry relationships and considerable global experience of 2.7 GW.
About PROINSO
http://www.proinso.net
PROINSO is a global leader in the solar energy market with business units in distribution and integration, technology and project development services. We offer full-service portfolio for solar projects of all scales including procurement, engineering, project development, finance and construction. PROINSO’s qualified installer network is our go-to workforce for installation and O&M services; counting over 2,500 certified solar installers.
PROINSO has been trusted by blue-chip companies and governments around the world. Since our establishment in 2006, PROINSO has supplied over 2.7 GW of projects and has operations in over 20 countries on 5 continents. PROINSO is a recipient of the 2018 Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the highest accolade for business success in the UK, in recognition of its outstanding performance.
About Joules Power Limited
Joules Power Limited (JPL) is an IPP based in Bangladesh focused on renewable energy sector, majority owned by Bangladeshi businessmen of repute and significant experience locally. JPL has significant pipeline of greenfield projects in renewable energy where it will leverage its early mover advantage of being the first utility scale solar developer in Bangladesh.
About GuarantCo
GuarantCo was established to mobilise local currency investment for infrastructure projects and support the development of financial markets in low income countries. GuarantCo is part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG). GuarantCo is supported by the governments of the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Australia and is rated AA- by Fitch and A1 by Moody’s.
