Preliminary approval granted for 500 MW offshore wind farm in Bangladesh

Singapore-based Summit Power International has confirmed plans for the next phase of development of a 500-MW offshore wind farm in Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh government has granted preliminary approval for a US$1.3 billion project, allowing for a detailed feasibility study and the development of the first phase within the next three years. This initiative, a joint effort by Denmark's Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP), and Summit Group in Bangladesh, involves a foreign direct investment proposal submitted in July 2023 for an offshore wind farm with a capacity of 500 MW. The proposed project is set to be located off the coast of Cox’s Bazar district. Once operational, it will supply electricity directly to the national grid through an onshore substation.

In 2022, the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority established a goal of generating 5 GW of wind energy, both onshore and offshore, by 2030. Upon completion, this offshore wind project will mark Bangladesh's inaugural venture of this kind. The consortium will cover the expenses associated with the feasibility study. Wind energy potential is primarily concentrated in coastal regions, offshore islands, riversides, and other open inland areas with robust wind patterns. To assess this potential, wind monitoring stations will be installed at 22 identified sites for comprehensive Wind Resource Assessment, as per the plans of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).