State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Anindya Islam Amit, has officially inaugurated a major rooftop solar power project at Zobaida Karim Jute Mills Limited in Faridpur, marking another step in the country’s drive towards renewable energy adoption in the industrial sector.
The project, developed under a CapEx financing model, has a generation capacity of 5.41877 megawatt-peak (DC) and 4.29 megawatts AC, making it one of the notable industrial rooftop solar installations in Bangladesh. The inauguration ceremony was held virtually on Saturday morning via video conference.
Located at Joyair Mor in Faridpur, the solar facility has been connected to the national grid through the 33/11kV Goalchamot substation operated by the West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited (WZPDCL).
Speaking during an exchange meeting with company officials, including mill chairman Jahangir Mia, the State Minister described the project as a potential model for other private-sector industries in Bangladesh.
“Zobaida Karim Jute Mills can serve as a model for other private companies,” he said, expressing hope that more industries would adopt advanced technologies and strengthen public service-oriented energy initiatives.
The minister also revealed that the government plans to install solar power systems on public buildings — including deputy commissioner offices, police superintendent offices and hospitals — across 21 districts within the next two to three months.
The jute mill spans approximately 120 acres, with solar panels installed across more than 304,000 square feet of rooftop space.
The project was implemented with financial assistance from the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), aiming to reduce industrial electricity costs, ensure uninterrupted power supply and promote environmentally sustainable energy generation.
Energy experts say industrial rooftop solar projects could play a significant role in easing pressure on Bangladesh’s national grid, reducing carbon emissions and strengthening long-term energy security. The initiative also aligns with the government’s broader renewable energy expansion policy.
Officials participating virtually in the inauguration included Power Secretary Mirana Mahrukh, WZPDCL Chairman Noor Ahmad, and Bangladesh Power Development Board distribution member A.N.M. Obaidullah, alongside senior engineers and executives from both WZPDCL and the jute mill.
The project is expected not only to meet a significant portion of the factory’s electricity demand but also to increase the share of clean energy within Bangladesh’s national power system.