Dhaka: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced an ambitious project to install solar power panels in public universities and colleges affiliated with the National University (NU) throughout the country. This initiative aims to reduce electricity costs and promote environmental sustainability by leveraging renewable energy resources.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the solar panel installation project will cover 32 public universities by 2026, and NU-affiliated colleges are also set to be included in this expansive plan. The project will follow the OPEX (operational expenditure) model, which allows institutions to utilize the electricity generated at an affordable rate without incurring initial installation costs. Any surplus electricity produced will be contributed to the national grid, enhancing the country's overall energy resources.
The project was a key topic of discussion at a meeting held today at the National University campus, chaired by UGC Member Prof. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, as confirmed by an NU press release. NU Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.S.M. Amanullah, addressing the meeting as the chief guest, highlighted the significant financial burden posed by the high electricity consumption of the vast infrastructures of NU-affiliated colleges. He emphasized the potential benefits of reducing this expenditure through the adoption of renewable energy solutions.
Energy expert Prof. M. Shamsul Alam added that the implementation of the solar panel system could lead to a substantial reduction in nationwide power consumption. He estimated that the selected public universities could cut their electricity costs by at least 25 percent annually by transitioning to solar energy.
The meeting was also attended by NU Pro Vice-Chancellors Prof. Md Lutfar Rahman and Prof. Md Nurul Islam, Treasurer Prof. A.T.M. Zafrul Azam, and senior officials from both the UGC and NU, who collectively expressed their support for the initiative.