Consultancy Services for Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of WMSPL-3 MW (AC) Off-Grid Solar PV- Battery-Diesel Hybrid Power Plant Project.

The policy of the Government of Bangladesh has been to ensure extension and stabilization of the power sector through both public and private sector undertakings toward not only meeting the existing power deficiency of the country but also ensuring continuous power in view of the projected future demand. Current undertaking by Western Renewable Energy (Pvt.) Limited constructing 218.4 kWp Stand-Alone AC Coupled Solar Photovoltaic based Mini Grid at Monpura Union, Monpura Upazilla in Bhola District has been implemented under this policy.

The proposed Project involves setting up of a 218.4 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) based Coupled mini grid by Western Renewable Energy (Pvt.) Limited under Monpura Union, Monpura Upazila in Bhola District. A 150 kVA (87 kW) diesel backup generator will be integrated into the proposed power plant in order to ensure adequate power supply during periods of low solar radiation. Once completed, the Project is expected to go into commercial operation in April 2020 and supply of electricity to run irrigation pumps and adjacent households & commercial entities. The potential consumer of this project is 1214 households.

Services included:

§ Collection and review of relevant information regarding environmental legislation, statutory orders, by-laws, etc. connected to preparation and approval of the ESIA report by the Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) and draft the memo. The memo will also consider the requirements of donor agencies’ guidelines (e.g., WB, ADB, JICA etc.).

§ Conduction of meetings with the Department of Environment, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC). During these meetings appropriate legal and administrative procedures will be discussed. Review of other relevant environmental laws, regulations, Norms, and Standards on Air, Noise, Water, Waste, Wildlife, etc.

§ Conduction of discussion meeting with the Department of Environment particularly for “Environmental Clearance Certificate” in accordance with the Environment Conservation Act, 1995 and Bangladesh Environment Conservation Rules, 2023.