Telecom operator Robi has entered into a tripartite agreement with FloSolar Solutions Ltd and GreenPower Asia to establish a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the development and operation of a 100-megawatt solar power plant.

The agreement, signed at Robi’s headquarters in Dhaka, marks a significant step towards corporate-led renewable energy adoption in Bangladesh.

Under the arrangement, Robi will purchase electricity from the plant through a corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA), tailoring energy procurement to its operational needs.

The initiative follows the government’s recent draft policy that allows the establishment of merchant power plants, enabling private firms to generate and sell electricity without requiring long-term government procurement agreements.

According to Robi, the solar park will be developed under a build-own-operate (BOO) model, with the SPV responsible for financing, constructing, and running the facility. The plant’s location will be finalised after assessing factors such as substation capacity for efficient power evacuation.

Acting CEO and CFO of Robi, M Riyaaz Rasheed, said the partnership demonstrates a “bold example” of corporate contribution to climate resilience. The project is expected to cut around 68,200 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, aligning with Robi’s net-zero goal for 2050.

A joint study will also explore the potential for integrating solar power into Robi’s network of 16,000 base transceiver stations, with the aim of transitioning a significant portion of its operations to renewable energy.

Malaysia-based Axiata Group Berhad is the majority shareholder of Robi.