Innovation key to energy security

Innovation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, electric mobility and carbon-management technologies can play a decisive role in strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security and supporting sustainable development, said Chattogram-8 lawmaker Ershad Ullah.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the 24th University Day lecture titled “Energy Security, Sustainability and Innovation: The Role of Universities in Shaping Asia’s Future” at the Academic Council Room of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology on Monday, August 31.

Ershad Ullah said energy security means ensuring a reliable, affordable and uninterrupted supply of energy, including electricity, gas, oil and renewable sources. Energy sustainability, meanwhile, means meeting present energy needs without undermining the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Technology can drive the energy transition

According to the lawmaker, solar power, wind energy, hydropower, biomass, electric vehicles, green hydrogen and carbon capture and storage are increasingly connected to the future of sustainable energy.

He stressed that innovation is essential to making renewable energy more affordable, reliable and efficient. New technologies can also help reduce energy consumption, lower production costs and improve the efficiency of electricity-supply systems.

He expressed confidence that CUET can play a transformative role in research and innovation related to these areas.

Connecting global Bangladeshi expertise

Ershad Ullah also called for greater opportunities to engage Bangladeshi engineers, doctors, researchers and other professionals working overseas in national development.

He noted that many highly skilled Bangladeshi professionals are working across Europe, the United States and other parts of the world. Their knowledge, international experience and technical expertise could significantly contribute to domestic research, innovation and industrial development if appropriate channels are created.

Universities need to address real-world challenges

The discussion highlighted the importance of connecting university research with practical energy challenges.

Universities can contribute not only through academic research but also by developing locally relevant solutions in renewable energy, energy efficiency, storage, low-carbon transport and other emerging technologies.

Such collaboration among universities, industry and government could strengthen Bangladesh’s domestic technological capacity while helping reduce dependence on imported energy technologies.

CUET University Day activities

The University Day programme also included a “CUET Club Fest” at the university’s basketball ground. Ershad Ullah inaugurated the festival and visited its various stalls.

CUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering Prof Dr Kazi Delwar Hossain, Director of the Directorate of Students’ Welfare Prof Dr Md Saiful Islam, Deputy Director Prof Dr Md Abu Moazzem Hossain, Assistant Director Md Masum Rana Pramanik and Priyanti Pal Tumpa were present.

Building domestic research capacity

The lecture was chaired by CUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem. Special guests included Prof Dr Kazi Delwar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Prof Dr Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering; and Engineer Manzare Khorshed Alam, Chairman of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, Chattogram Centre.

The resource person was IR Dr Mohammad Azjuan Bin Maunsar, Chairman of the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia. The session was moderated by Mohammad Zahidul Islam, Lecturer at CUET’s Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering.

The discussion underscored the growing importance of university-led research and innovation in addressing Bangladesh’s future energy challenges. Strengthening domestic research capacity could help expand renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, develop cleaner transportation technologies and reduce long-term dependence on imported energy solutions.

//DBTech/AIM/SME//