Bangladesh’s persistent energy crisis, rising electricity costs and dependence on imported fuels have made renewable energy an economic necessity rather than merely an environmental choice. In this context, Walton Hi-Tech Industries’ initiative to generate 50 megawatts (MW) of solar power deserves recognition as a landmark example for the country’s industrial sector. Other manufacturers should take inspiration from this initiative, while the government must create stronger incentives to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
The state-owned Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) has committed Tk 144 crore to finance Walton’s solar power project, of which Tk 44 crore has already been disbursed. The company has installed 32MW of solar capacity across factory rooftops, walkways and a 1.25MW floating solar plant on a factory pond. It plans to add another 18MW by December, bringing total generation capacity to 50MW.
Walton’s ambition to meet its entire daytime electricity demand from green sources represents a significant step towards industrial energy independence. The company consumes around 35MW of electricity daily, making its investment particularly relevant to other energy-intensive manufacturers.
The example demonstrates that industrial facilities can turn underutilised spaces, including rooftops and factory ponds, into productive energy assets. Such installations can reduce dependence on grid electricity, lower long-term operating costs and protect production from interruptions caused by unreliable power supplies. For export-oriented industries, renewable energy can also strengthen environmental compliance and improve competitiveness as global buyers increasingly prioritise sustainable manufacturing.
Bangladesh has considerable untapped potential for rooftop solar power. Factories, commercial buildings, educational institutions, hospitals and residential complexes can all contribute to expanding renewable energy generation. Yet progress remains slower than necessary, partly because of high initial investment costs, financing constraints, limited technical capacity and procedural complications.
The government’s recent initiatives, including conditional tax exemptions for essential solar equipment and incentives for electricity supplied to the national grid from rooftop systems, are encouraging. The proposed 10-year power and energy plan should place renewable energy at its centre, with clear targets, predictable policies and measurable implementation timelines.
However, incentives alone will not be sufficient. Banks and financial institutions should offer affordable, long-term financing for solar installations. IDCOL and other development partners can expand concessional financing and technical support, particularly for small and medium-sized industries that cannot afford large upfront investments. Simplified approval procedures, reliable net-metering arrangements and transparent rules for purchasing surplus electricity would further encourage private investment.
The government should also lead by example by installing solar systems on public buildings, schools, hospitals and administrative offices. Industrial parks and economic zones should be encouraged to develop shared renewable energy infrastructure, while floating solar projects could make productive use of suitable water bodies without competing directly for valuable land.
At the same time, quality standards, proper maintenance and responsible waste management for solar panels and batteries must be ensured. Renewable energy development should remain environmentally sustainable throughout the equipment’s life cycle.
Walton has shown that large-scale industrial solar power is achievable in Bangladesh. The challenge now is to turn this pioneering example into a nationwide movement. Every additional megawatt of clean electricity can help reduce fuel imports, ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves, cut industrial costs and strengthen energy security.
We cannot eliminate its energy challenges overnight, but it can reduce its vulnerability through determined investment in renewable energy. Walton’s initiative offers a practical model. The government and the private sector should work together to make solar power a cornerstone of the country’s industrial and economic future.