Grameenphone Opens Sylhet Solar Power Plant

Grameenphone has expanded its renewable energy initiatives with a 325-kilowatt-peak (kWp) solar power plant at its Sylhet Data Centre, marking a significant step towards reducing the environmental footprint of Bangladesh’s digital infrastructure. The telecommunications service provider implemented the project in partnership with ZTE as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor. According to Grameenphone, the facility is the largest solar power plant installed at a data centre in Bangladesh.

Dated October 29, Thursday, the announcement stated that the plant features 450 high-capacity solar panels. It is expected to generate more than 300 megawatt-hours of electricity annually and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 188 tonnes each year.

Data centers are critical to the operation of digital services and require reliable electricity supplies. Integrating renewable energy sources such as solar power can help reduce the environmental impact of operating these facilities.

Grameenphone stated that the initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint of its data centre operations while meeting growing demand for digital connectivity and services through more sustainable infrastructure.

The project aligns with the company's target of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, compared with its 2019 baseline. Grameenphone is pursuing this goal by expanding its use of renewable energy and adopting sustainable practices across its operations.

The solar plant was inaugurated by Yasir Azman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Grameenphone, at the Sylhet Data Centre. The ceremony was attended by Abul Kasem Mohiuddin Al-Amin, Chief Technology Officer; Otto Magne Risbakk, Chief Financial Officer; and Farha Naz Zaman, Chief Marketing Officer of Grameenphone. Mao Junyong, Chief Executive Officer of ZTE Bangladesh, was also present.

At the inauguration, Yasir Azman stated that Bangladesh's ongoing digital transformation required infrastructure that was not only reliable and future-ready but also environmentally responsible.

He stated that the company has set a clear target to reduce Grameenphone’s carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, compared with the 2019 baseline, adding that achieving this goal requires continuously increasing the use of environmentally friendly energy and adopting sustainable measures across operations.

Describing the Sylhet solar plant as a practical step towards that ambition, Azman stated that the initiative demonstrated how the company could strengthen the digital infrastructure serving millions of customers while reducing its environmental impact.

He added that Grameenphone would continue investing in sustainable and innovative solutions capable of delivering long-term benefits for its customers, society and the environment.

Mao Junyong, Chief Executive Officer of ZTE Bangladesh, stated that the company was proud to partner with Grameenphone on the launch of what the operator described as Bangladesh's largest solar power plant at a data center.

He stated that the project demonstrates how advanced technology and renewable energy can work together to build more energy-efficient and sustainable digital infrastructure.

Junyong added that integrating high-efficiency solar solutions into data center operations would help reduce carbon emissions while supporting Grameenphone's sustainability goals.

He expressed confidence that the joint initiative could set an example for the industry and contribute to a greener, more sustainable digital future for Bangladesh.

The project reflects Grameenphone's continued efforts to integrate sustainability into its business operations and invest in solutions that deliver both operational and environmental benefits.

Through wider adoption of renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies and responsible resource management, the company aims to contribute to a digital future for Bangladesh with lower carbon emissions, linking the expansion of digital services with its longer-term environmental commitments. //DBTech/BCS/SMP/MIST//