DHAKA, May 09 (V7N)- Robi Axiata PLC has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FloSolar Solutions Ltd. and GreenPower Asia to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the development and operation of a 100 MWp solar power park.

Under this collaborative partnership, an initial selection of potential sites has been identified, with the final location to be determined following a comprehensive feasibility study. As part of the agreement, Robi will procure power based on its requirements through a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (CPPA), marking a significant advancement in Bangladesh's renewable energy sector.

This landmark initiative is enabled by the government's recent draft policy on Merchant Power Plants, which allows private entities to develop and sell power without the need for long-term government off-take agreements. The project will be executed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, representing a key milestone in Robi's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and accelerating its transition towards clean energy sources.

The MoU was signed on May 7, 2025, at Robi's corporate headquarters in Dhaka. The signatories included Perihane Elhamy Ahmed Metaweh, Chief Technology Officer of Robi Axiata PLC; Mustafa Azim Kasem Khan, Founder and Managing Director of FloSolar Solutions Ltd; and Pierrick Morier, President of GreenPower Asia.

The signing ceremony was graced by M. Riyaaz Rasheed, Robi's Acting CEO & CFO, and Sahed Alam, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer of Robi. Mr. Julien Duer, Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy in Dhaka, acknowledged and commended GreenPower Asia's strong investment commitment to the project. Tashfiqul Alam Khan, Technical Director of FloSolar Solutions Ltd., was also present at the event.

Key Highlights of the Partnership:

100MWp Solar Park Development: The SPV will be responsible for developing, financing, and operating the 100 MWp solar park on a site to be finalized based on factors such as substation capacity for power evacuation. Robi will be the sole off-taker of the generated power under a long-term CPPA.
Merchant Power Plant Advantage: The project will leverage the government's progressive proposed policy on Merchant Power Plants, expected to be implemented within the next six months, providing operational flexibility and scalability.
Decarbonizing Robi’s Operations: The solar park will significantly reduce Robi’s carbon footprint, aligning with the company's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Feasibility Study for BTS Solarization: A joint assessment will be conducted to explore the potential for deploying solar power across 16,000 of Robi’s BTS sites, potentially transitioning a significant portion of its network to renewable energy.
Foreign Direct Investment and Local Expertise: The project combines foreign direct investment from GreenPower Asia, a subsidiary of France's Volta Groupe, with the strong local renewable energy development expertise of FloSolar Solutions Ltd. GreenPower Asia has a substantial existing portfolio and project pipeline in renewable energy. FloSolar Solutions Ltd. is transitioning from an EPC company to a full-scale renewable energy project developer and asset manager.
Robi Acting CEO & CFO M. Riyaaz Rasheed commented, “Together with FloSolar and GreenPower Asia, we’re setting a bold example in renewable energy, driving real impact toward climate resilience.”

Perihane Elhamy Ahmed Metaweh, CTO of Robi Axiata PLC, stated, “This partnership is a game-changer in our sustainability journey, combining innovation, policy enablement, and strategic collaboration. By securing 100 MWp of renewable energy through a CPPA, we are not only reducing our reliance on fossil fuels but also driving cost efficiency and ESG leadership in Bangladesh’s telecom sector.”

Mustafa Azim Kasem Khan, Founder and Managing Director of FloSolar Solutions Ltd., added, “The proposed solar park exemplifies how public-private synergies through innovative Government policies can accelerate renewable energy adoption and ultimately lead to a lower levelised cost of energy. We thank our foreign partner GreenPower Asia for their support to mobilise foreign direct investment (FDI) at scale and confirming the potential for scale of bankable renewable energy projects in the country. This project will serve as a model for future merchant-based clean energy initiatives in Bangladesh.”

Pierrick Morier, President of GreenPower Asia, said, “Our collaboration with Robi and FloSolar underscores the transformative potential of solar energy in emerging markets. This project will contribute to both energy security and environmental sustainability.”

ESG & Economic Impact:

The initiative reinforces Robi’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments while supporting Bangladesh’s renewable energy goals. By reducing operational costs and carbon emissions, the project sets a precedent for sustainable digital infrastructure development in the region and is expected to reduce 68,200 tons of CO2 emissions annually.

About Robi:

Robi Axiata PLC is a public limited company with Asian telecom giant Axiata Group Berhad (Malaysia) holding the majority share (61.82%). Bharti Airtel (India) holds 28.18% shares, and public shareholders hold the remaining 10%. Robi is the second-largest mobile network operator in Bangladesh, committed to creating new digital experiences for the people of the country through sustained investment in a robust telecom infrastructure. Its nationwide network serves as a key enabler for Bangladesh's growing digital ecosystem, connecting both urban and rural populations to Digital Bangladesh.

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