Finance minister launches integrated renewable energy initiative combining solar generation, battery storage, grid supply and hybrid household appliances.
Walton has introduced an integrated solar energy ecosystem backed by 32 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity, combining renewable electricity production, storage, national grid supply and solar-powered household appliances in a move aimed at cutting energy costs and reducing dependence on conventional power.
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury formally unveiled the Walton Solar Ecosystem at the company’s corporate office in Bashundhara, Dhaka, on Saturday, 10 October, as the electronics manufacturer seeks to expand renewable energy use, improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, Walton said in a press release.
The company has installed rooftop and floating solar power systems at its manufacturing facilities, bringing combined generation capacity to 32MW. Walton said the capacity was equivalent to the total electricity demand of a large district town in Bangladesh.
A substantial portion of the electricity generated is used in its manufacturing operations, reducing energy costs, while approximately 1,150 megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar electricity is supplied annually to the national grid through net metering.
The initiative also brings together solar panels, inverters, batteries and energy-efficient household appliances, allowing consumers to use renewable electricity for cooling, food preservation, entertainment, cooking, lighting and laundry.
Following the inauguration, the minister toured an exhibition showcasing solar panels, photovoltaic cables, energy storage inverters, batteries, hybrid refrigerators, air conditioners and smart televisions.
Other products on display included solar-powered washing machines, electric cookers, ovens, rice cookers, brushless direct-current (BLDC) fans, pedestal and table fans, LED bulbs and street lights.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the technologies and energy-saving features, particularly hybrid refrigerators, air conditioners and smart televisions designed to operate on both solar and conventional grid electricity.
“Solar power is an environmentally friendly source of electricity. What Walton is doing with solar technology is something that is expected to expand across Bangladesh,” Amir Khosru said.
He said Bangladesh was expected to generate a substantial amount of electricity from solar energy over the next one or two years, helping meet demand at lower costs.
Expanding solar power would also reduce dependence on imported fuels, save foreign currency and strengthen energy independence, he said.
The minister encouraged wider adoption of solar-powered household appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines and ovens, noting that solar electricity could serve purposes beyond lighting.
Walton Hi-Tech Industries Chairman S M Shamsul Alam said the ecosystem would help consumers lower electricity bills while supporting renewable energy adoption, reducing emissions and contributing to a greener, more self-reliant Bangladesh.
Vice-Chairman S M Ashraful Alam described the initiative as an integrated technological solution linking solar generation, storage, grid supply and the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
He said the initiative would open new business opportunities, strengthen Walton’s financial capacity and underlying business position and create sustainable, long-term value for capital market investors.
Managing Director S M Mahbubul Alam said the company aimed to move beyond manufacturing products under the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ label towards developing advanced technologies capable of demonstrating Bangladesh’s innovation potential internationally.
He expressed confidence that the development and manufacturing of renewable energy-based products would strengthen the technological capabilities and progress of Bangladesh’s high-tech industry.
Walton officials said the ecosystem incorporates hybrid technology that allows compatible refrigerators, air conditioners and smart televisions to operate directly on solar electricity without battery storage when sunlight is sufficient.
When solar generation falls below an appliance’s electricity requirement, the system automatically draws the additional power from the national grid.
The arrangement enables consumers to reduce grid electricity consumption according to the availability of solar power.
Walton has also introduced new washing machines, electric cookers and ovens compatible with its Energy Storage System (ESS) technology.
Under this arrangement, electricity generated by solar panels during daylight hours can be stored in batteries for later use in household activities.
The stored electricity can support washing machines, electric cookers, microwave ovens, rice cookers, BLDC fans and other appliances.
The company’s inverter and battery systems also support both solar and conventional grid charging, allowing users to recharge batteries from either source.
E-bikes offer mobile power backup
Walton has extended its solar ecosystem to its new Takyon electric bicycle models through an intelligent backup power system.
The technology allows an e-bike battery to function as a mobile energy storage unit, combining electric mobility, solar energy storage and emergency backup electricity supply.
The company has also introduced specialised photovoltaic solar cables designed to improve the safety and reliability of electricity transmission in solar installations.
The cables use flexible tinned copper conductors and specialised insulation materials engineered to withstand ultraviolet radiation, moisture and challenging environmental conditions, providing durable electrical connections.
Walton said the broader initiative was designed to advance environmentally friendly manufacturing while strengthening energy efficiency and expanding renewable energy applications across industrial and household operations.
Walton Hi-Tech Industries Vice-Chairman S M Ashraful Alam, Managing Director S M Mahbubul Alam and Directors S M Rezaul Alam, S M Monjurul Alam Ovee and Tahmina Afrose Tanna attended the inauguration alongside Chairman S M Shamsul Alam.
