Feasibility Analysis of Large-Scale Utility-connected Solar Power Generations in Bangladesh

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is the fastest-growing technology that accelerates the high-level integration of renewable power into the utility grid. The need for clean power generation in a developing country like Bangladesh is crucial to meet continuously growing energy demand, support industrialization, and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluates utility-connected PV power generation feasibility for the meteorological region, namely Khulna, Mymensingh, and Sylhet districts. RETScreen Expert tool is used to develop the utility-connected PV power generation model. The weather data, including solar radiation, is obtained from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and other financial inputs are obtained from the local bank. The simulation study of the 100 MW PV power generation plant in Mymensingh district reveals that the plant can produce 135.33 GWh energy per year, where 134.12 GWh and 130.25 GWh in Sylhet and Khulna districts, respectively. The cost of energy production is USD 0.098/kWh, 0.099/kWh, and 0.102/kWh in Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Khulna districts, respectively. The greenhouse gas emission reductions in Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Khulna are 76,258.7 tCO2, 75,578.6 tCO2, and 73,397.6 tCO2, respectively. This study portrays the high potential of developing large-scale utility-connected PV power generation systems that can contribute to the aim of the international community in reducing global warming and the clean power production aim of a country like Bangladesh.