Bangladesh’s First ESS-Integrated Solar Energy Lab Inaugurated at United International University
United International University (UIU) has inaugurated Bangladesh's first Energy Storage System (ESS)-integrated Solar Energy Lab at its United City campus on Madani Avenue, Dhaka. Following the launch event in UIU’s multipurpose hall on Saturday, a seminar titled “The Role of Smart Grid in the Future Power System” took place, presided over by UIU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia. The event's chief guest was Dr. Faujul Kabir Khan, energy advisor to the Bangladesh government.
Special guests included the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen; Chairman of Power Grid Bangladesh PLC, Prof. Md. Rezwan Khan; and CEO of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd., Pan Junfeng. Huawei, in collaboration with UIU’s Center for Energy Research (CER), funded this lab to advance training and research in renewable and sustainable energy.
In his remarks, Dr. Faujul Kabir Khan emphasized the importance of a transition to a smart grid and the prioritization of battery storage systems as Bangladesh increasingly focuses on renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen highlighted this lab as a “milestone” in Bangladesh-China relations, aiming to empower the nation’s youth in the renewable energy sector and build on a long-standing collaborative relationship between UIU and Huawei.
Pan Junfeng noted that through solar power initiatives, Bangladesh is advancing its shift away from fossil fuels. As of December 2023, Huawei Digital Power has supported 600 MW of digital power plants in Bangladesh, generating over 437.5 million kWh of renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions by 207,867 tons, equivalent to planting 284,450 trees. This lab will provide a unique opportunity for students and professionals to gain hands-on experience in renewable energy technology.
CER Director Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury added that the renewable energy sector in Bangladesh is rapidly growing, with solar power becoming increasingly affordable and projected to create 3,000-4,000 green jobs in coming years. The lab will be crucial for skill-building, offering hands-on training essential for students and professionals in the industry.
UIU’s CER was established in 2010 to drive research, policy development, and innovation in sustainable energy. It has designed nearly all solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids for rural electrification in Bangladesh and has tested over 750 solar PV components, earning multiple national and international awards, including the United Nations Momentum for Change Award in 2016. The lab will continue pioneering research in renewable energy and provide ESS-supported training opportunities, enhancing hands-on learning experiences for students.
UIU and Huawei’s partnership includes a three-month certification course in renewable energy, with details and enrollment available on the CER website.
