Chinese LONGi Plans Investment in BD’s Solar Energy Sector

Jason Zhao, Senior Manager of LONGi Green Energy, shared the company’s aspirations during a key meeting with a Bangladeshi delegation led by Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, a member of the BNP Standing Committee. The meeting took place at the company’s headquarters in Shaanxi, China, on Friday.

During the discussion, Zhao presented LONGi’s cutting-edge solar technology, highlighting the company’s successful international projects and their potential to drive Bangladesh’s renewable energy growth. He emphasized that LONGi is keen to establish a local office in Dhaka to explore the country’s burgeoning renewable energy market, with plans to provide high-efficiency solar modules to meet Bangladesh’s growing energy needs.

Zhao further elaborated on the company’s plans to send a dedicated business and technical team to Bangladesh, aiming to assess the local market demand, investment policies, and possible collaboration opportunities within the energy sector.

“We are committed to supporting Bangladesh’s green energy transition and promoting sustainable development by providing cost-effective, high-quality solar solutions,” said Zhao. He also noted that LONGi has established production facilities in several countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Mongolia, and operates branches in strategic locations such as the USA, Japan, Germany, Australia, the UAE, Thailand, and India.

Currently, LONGi is engaged in small-scale projects with local companies in Bangladesh but is eager to scale up its operations significantly. Zhao emphasized the company’s willingness to work closely with the Bangladeshi government to accelerate the nation’s renewable energy goals.

In response, Dr. Moyeen Khan underscored the importance of renewable energy to Bangladesh’s future, particularly in meeting the country’s growing energy demand. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the power sector, including a reliance on traditional sources like diesel and coal, which have limited capacity to meet Bangladesh’s energy needs.

“Solar energy can play a pivotal role in modernizing our power sector,” Dr. Khan stated. “It will not only reduce environmental pollution but also improve irrigation in rural areas, boosting agricultural productivity.”

Dr. Khan praised LONGi’s efforts to reduce solar panel installation costs by 90% over the years, making solar energy an increasingly viable option. “With a lifespan of 25 years, solar panels offer long-term value compared to conventional power plants,” he added.

Looking ahead, Dr. Khan stressed that, if elected, the BNP would prioritize the energy sector to ensure the country’s sustainable development. “Electricity is the cornerstone of development,” he said. “Without sufficient power, we cannot implement any development plans effectively. If the BNP comes to power, we will maximize the use of solar and other renewable energy sources to ensure the country’s progress.”

Dr. Khan welcomed LONGi’s plans to establish an office in Dhaka and expressed hope that their involvement would help drive the country’s energy transformation.

Earlier in February, a 21-member delegation, including leaders from the BNP and other political parties, visited China for an 11-day trip at the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The delegation included prominent political figures, academics, and researchers, who participated in the meeting with LONGi officials, highlighting the growing diplomatic and business ties between the two nations.