The Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)-financed 18.69 MWp rooftop solar project at Akij Ceramics Ltd. in Trishal was inaugurated on Sunday, marking a significant step in Bangladesh’s industrial clean energy transition.
Ulrich Kleppmann, head of development cooperation at the German Embassy in Dhaka, attended the event as the chief guest, reads a press release.
Among others present were Michael Sumser-Hellstern, director of KfW; Alamgir Morshed, executive director and CEO of IDCOL; and SK Bashir Uddin, managing director of Akij Bashir Group.
The project, valued at Tk101.47 crore, received approximately Tk76.83 crore in financing from IDCOL. It is expected to generate 19,500 MWh of clean electricity annually and reduce 14,626 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
Of the total capacity, 10 MWp has already been connected to the national grid through net metering.
Speaking at the event, Kleppmann said the project exemplifies the strength of German-Bangladesh development cooperation and added that Germany remains a steadfast partner in supporting Bangladesh’s climate action goals through investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Hellstern said the €60 million facility extended to IDCOL is driving impactful investments in industrial decarbonisation.
Alamgir highlighted strong private sector demand and noted that IDCOL has revised its target to finance 1,150 MWp of rooftop solar by 2030. To date, IDCOL has financed about 220 MWp, with a project pipeline exceeding 200 MWp.
Bashir said the project reinforces Akij Bashir Group’s dedication to sustainability. The group has partnered with IDCOL on 11 solar projects with a combined capacity of 67 MWp.
Following the inauguration, the dignitaries toured the solar facility and the factory premises.
