Bangladesh is experiencing remarkable growth in its solar energy sector, demonstrating immense potential for renewable energy development. To fill this gap, Huawei and the Center for Energy Research (CER) of the United International University (UIU) jointly inaugurated the first solar energy laboratory with ESS facilities in Bangladesh at the UIU premises. This pioneering Solar Lab will provide premier training and research opportunities in the renewable and sustainable energy sector.

The inauguration event took place in the UIU Multipurpose Hall on November 9, 2024, followed by a seminar on “The Role of Smart Grid in the Future Power System”. The event was chaired by Prof. Dr Md Abul Kashem Mia, Vice-Chancellor of UIU; Professor Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Advisor, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Government of Bangladesh, was the chief guest; special guests were HE Yao Wen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Bangladesh, Prof. M. Rezwan Khan, Chairman of Power Grid Bangladesh PLC, and Pan Junfeng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd.

The Huawei-CER, UIU Solar Lab is funded by Huawei. One of the objectives of these facilities will be to carry out capacity building and human resource development activities. Huawei and CER, UIU will jointly develop different course contents to organize training that meets the objectives of the Bangladeshi market.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said, “In today’s time, no one wants to lag behind, everyone wants to work smart. This is why we need to do more with renewable energy. Renewable energies help reduce the cost of energy. current energy system by 20%. This laboratory will play an important role in the powerful and sustainable development of the country’s renewable energy sector.

HE Yao Wen said: “With the inauguration of the first solar laboratory with ESS systems at the United International University, we are taking an important step towards empowering our youth in the renewable energy sector. Today marks an important milestone in the China-Bangladesh partnership. This collaboration not only reflects our commitment to strengthening the development of local talent through Chinese investment, but also highlights the long-standing contributions of the UIU Energy Research Center to the advancement of the solar energy sector.

Pan Junfeng said: “Huawei has been proud to contribute to the development of Bangladesh for more than 26 years. We believe that as a leader in ICT and digital energy, Huawei and the country’s important energy research center, the UIU Energy Research Center, can jointly provide invaluable opportunities. for students and professionals to learn, grow and contribute to the renewable energy landscape. We express our gratitude to United International University and CER for their dedication and collaboration in this important initiative that will enable the next generation of innovators in Bangladesh.

Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, director of the Center for Energy Research (CER) at UIU, said: “The renewable energy sector in Bangladesh is evolving rapidly, with projections suggesting the creation of 3,000 to 4,000 new green jobs in the years to come as solar energy becomes more and more expensive. -effective. Currently, the country has experienced significant growth, adding a record 42 megawatts (MW) of new rooftop solar capacity in 2023 alone. However, there remains an urgent need for hands-on training facilities to equip professionals and students of the necessary. SKILLS. This laboratory can play a crucial role in equipping our students and professionals with practical knowledge in this sector.

Huawei-CER, UIU Solar Lab will offer three-month certificate courses for young engineers and professionals. Interested candidates can register by completing an online application when it is live. The Center for Energy Research (CER) was established in 2010 at the United International University with the aim of strengthening research in the areas of renewable and sustainable energy, its efficient use and management, and policy formulation through research and development. CER, UIU has designed almost all solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids for rural electrification in Bangladesh. CER is also one of the Solar Home System (SHS) equipment testing institutions in Bangladesh for certification of solar PV equipment according to IDCOL standard. To date, she has tested more than 750 solar photovoltaic devices in her laboratory. CER’s state-of-the-art research laboratory will carry out testing and research in the field of renewable energy. For its innovative research work, the UIU Energy Research Center has received 8 international awards as well as the United Nations Momentum for Change award in 2016 and has also received 4 national awards.

Huawei conducts diversified talent development programs in Bangladesh through which students and professionals are given the opportunity to gain theoretical and practical knowledge. Previously, it established the Huawei ICT Academy with a 5G laboratory at BUET. This is the second initiative by the same company to build a physical laboratory at university level, alongside online ICT academies at several universities.