Jamalpur solar project yet to take off despite ECNEC approval

Construction of the 100MW RPCL Solar Power Plant in Madarganj, Jamalpur, remains stalled amid management complications, financing problems and contractor-related delays despite fresh approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).

The project, being developed on 316.65 acres at Kaizar Char in Jorkhali Union, was launched in 2021 with a target of generating around 178,274 megawatt-hours of electricity annually.

Project sources said work was delayed by the global economic downturn, a rise in the dollar exchange rate, successive floods, political changes and complications over the disbursement of foreign loans.

All project activities were suspended in August 2025 following a meeting chaired by the then power adviser on 20 August. The meeting discussed project management and the roles of officials concerned.

Several sources claimed that allegations against then Project Director Md Ferdous Rahman and limitations in project management were among the issues considered before the suspension. They also said the Power Division subsequently informed RPCL about possible departmental action against the project director.

Meanwhile, RPCL reportedly instructed Indian EPC contractor Amara Raja Infra Pvt Ltd, through a letter dated 15 September 2025, to stop supplying materials for the project.

Project sources claimed that more than Tk210 crore had remained outstanding to the contractor since September 2025, effectively halting the main construction work.

The project also faced complications after the contract with Swiss consultant AFRY Switzerland Ltd expired in June 2025. A replacement consultant was not appointed for a considerable period, affecting design approval and physical progress, sources said.

A Bangladeshi consultancy firm, ATLANTA Enterprise, was reportedly appointed on 25 August this year. However, some project insiders have questioned the firm's experience and capacity to handle a large-scale solar project, saying an experienced technical consultant is essential for smooth implementation.

Sources also claimed that RPCL had limited previous experience in implementing large-scale solar projects and that some officials currently involved in project management lacked direct experience in the sector.

The Indian EPC contractor has reportedly kept two large batching plants, manpower, workers, construction materials and other equipment at the site for a prolonged period. The company is incurring additional costs to maintain the equipment and workforce despite the suspension, sources claimed.

The prolonged stoppage has also affected the associated 132kV transmission line. Materials for the nearly 47-kilometre line from the project site to the Ghatail grid substation in Tangail have remained unused for a long period, creating risks of theft and deterioration, according to project sources.

The project was reapproved in revised form at an ECNEC meeting on 19 August this year at a cost of Tk1,612.73 crore. The fresh approval was expected to address financing and other implementation issues.

However, the main construction work has yet to visibly resume.

What was seen on the ground

During a visit to the project site on Sunday, this correspondent found that significant work had already been completed before the suspension.

RCC blocks had been installed to protect the char area from river erosion, while earth filling and construction of solar panel frames had also been carried out. Work on the 47-kilometre 132kV transmission line had progressed considerably.

The project also includes a rehabilitation programme for 241 landless families affected by river erosion. The plan includes permanent homes along with a primary school, health centre, market, mosque and cemetery.

However, the site visit found 32 families still living in 18 to 20 houses on about 2.51 acres inside the project area. Residents said their rehabilitation had not yet been completed.

Mosa Sabura Khatun, wife of local resident Ajibor Akand, said their family of seven currently lived in four rooms.

“But we have been given only one room for seven people at the new site. How can we move there?” she asked.

Another resident, Rafiqul Islam, said the area had begun to change after the power plant project was launched.

“Now our hopes are also stalled because the work has stopped. Since the project has been approved, we want construction to resume quickly. Once the plant starts operating, it will benefit both our area and the country,” he said.

Power generation and environmental concerns

Md Caesar Rahman, chairman of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Jamalpur University of Science and Technology, said the 100MW solar plant was in line with the government’s renewable energy targets.

He said the project would be connected to the Ghatail grid and could help meet electricity demand during peak hours in Jamalpur, Tangail and neighbouring areas.

Solar power would also reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support cleaner energy generation, he said.

However, he noted that such projects also face technical and environmental challenges. Proper grid management would be needed to maintain power quality, while solar panels could create environmental risks at the end of their lifespan if their waste was not properly managed.

Project Director Jahangir Alam said minor works were continuing at the site and that the main construction work would begin soon.

“It may take a few weeks for the main work to start. Once it begins, we will resolve the existing problems and complete the project quickly,” he said.

Despite fresh ECNEC approval, the 100MW solar project remains dependent on the resumption of its main construction work, with local residents hoping the long-delayed plant will eventually begin feeding electricity into the national grid.