Sarwar Azam Manik, Cox’s Bazar
Bangladesh’s first large-scale commercial wind power plant in Cox’s Bazar has so far supplied nearly 298.2 million kilowatt-hours (29.82 crore units) of electricity to the national grid, highlighting the potential of coastal wind energy.
The 60MW plant, comprising 22 turbines, has been established in Khurushkul, PM Khali, Pokkhali and Chowfaldandi unions under Cox’s Bazar Sadar upazila.
According to project officials, the plant was connected to the national grid on May 25, 2023, while commercial generation began on March 8, 2024.
Project coordinator and manager Enamul Haque said each of the 22 turbines has a capacity of 3MW. Eight turbines are installed in Khurushkul, two in PM Khali, seven in Chowfaldandi and five in Pokkhali.
The turbines, manufactured in China, have towers about 90 metres high, with each blade measuring around 60 metres. About 20 decimals of land are used for each turbine.
Md Abdul Kader Gani, executive engineer of the Cox’s Bazar Electricity Department, said generation begins when wind speeds exceed three metres per second, while more than nine metres per second is required for maximum generation. Depending on wind speed, the plant supplies 15MW to 60MW to the national grid.
Haque said the plant could reduce about 109,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions and avoid approximately 44,600 tonnes of coal consumption annually when operating at full capacity.
Climate expert S M Taslim Reza said the project is particularly significant for Cox’s Bazar, which is vulnerable to sea-level rise, cyclones, tidal surges, salinity intrusion and coastal erosion. He said expanding renewable energy could support climate-resilient development in coastal communities.
Renewable energy expert S M Delwar Hossain said Bangladesh has around 20,000 kilometres of coastline and the potential to generate approximately 30,000MW of wind power.
“Bangladesh needs to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move towards a planned and just energy transition,” he said, adding that environmental protection, public health, energy security and the rights of future generations should also be considered.
Fazlul Kader Chowdhury, president of the Cox’s Bazar district chapter of environmental organisation Dharti Rokkhae Amra Dhara, said establishing wind power plants alone would not ensure environmental protection. He called for regular monitoring of their impacts on biodiversity, bird movements, soil, water and local communities, as well as stronger safety measures against cyclones and tidal surges.
Haque said renewable energy has become increasingly important amid the energy crisis and climate change. He said the US$120 million project does not require diesel, petrol, LNG or natural gas and can generate electricity as long as sufficient wind is available.
He also called for simplified approval procedures for renewable energy projects, saying this could encourage foreign investment and create employment while helping address the energy crisis. #EK
