To cater to the demand, currently around 25 local companies are manufacturing batteries for three-wheelers, hybrid and electric cars, scooters, commercial vehicles, cars, instant power supply (IPS), solar panels and batteries for use in various appliances, according to the industry people.
An expanding market The battery market the size of which is around Tk8,000crore is growing year on year. The market ballooned three to four times in the last ten years, registering a 10% to 12% growth in the last one year, according to the Bangladesh Accumulator and Battery Manufacturers' Association (BABMA).
Will lithium batteries revolutionise Bangladesh's energy landscape?
In a momentous development, Bangladesh is venturing into the production of lithium batteries – a move that is poised to revolutionise the country's energy landscape by accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and enhancing energy storage capabilities.
Will lithium replace lead-acid batteries in Bangladesh?
Lithium will replace lead-acid batteries, which are commonly used in IPS and UPS in Bangladesh. "Lithium batteries are relatively environment-friendly and have 15 years life compared to one year for lead-acid batteries," said Kabir. He said he will use global standard technology, a mixture of Korean, Japanese and Chinese in the plant.
Studies have shown that industrial rooftops in Bangladesh could accommodate some 5,000MW of solar energy. However, four accessories – namely fibre-reinforced polymer walkways, imported inverters, mounting structures and direct current cable – are subject to import duties, ranging from 15.25% to 58.6%, raising project costs.
Bangladesh Lithium Battery Limited, an innovative enterprise, is all set to establish a state-of-the-art plant in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar in Mirsarai, Chattogram.
With the growing share of renewable energy in its power mix, Bangladesh could enhance flexibility in the power system. Incorporating battery storage systems with the new grid-scale solar projects would provide flexibility and help reduce oil-based power generation when the sun is not shining.