Phase 1 research demonstrated that solar-powered irrigation pumps in Bangladesh reduce irrigation costs by up to 30%, save time, and enhance energy security by replacing imported diesel. Bangladesh is an important focus under SoLAR Phase 2 due to its large agricultural sector and increasing pressure on water and energy resources. The country aims to gradually replace diesel pumps, where the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Solar project contributes by providing evidence-based policy guidance and by piloting inclusive financing models that support smallholder adoption of solar irrigation.
Phase 2 activities include the development of Water, Energy, Food and Solar Suitability (WEF SS) maps, capacity building for government officials and farmers, and testing bundled solar agricultural technologies. The project is also working on new financing mechanisms targeted at marginal and women farmers. Pilot initiatives assess the feasibility of grid-connected solar pumps and their integration within existing irrigation systems.
SoLAR works with government agencies, private sector partners, and local non-governmental organizations such as the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), and the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) to improve awareness, address groundwater sustainability challenges, and ensure that the expansion of solar irrigation is aligned with Bangladesh’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP).