Bangladesh requires a smart grid system to maintain a stable power supply, says adviser

Energy Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan highlighted that Bangladesh's power transmission system is facing new challenges as electricity consumption patterns have significantly evolved in recent years. To address these issues, he advocated for adopting a smart grid system to enhance stability in the power supply. He shared these insights at a seminar titled *The Role of Smart Grid in the Future Power System* at United International University (UIU) on Saturday.

The event, organized by Huawei and UIU’s Centre for Energy Research (CER), marked the inauguration of Bangladesh's first Solar Energy Lab with Energy Storage System (ESS) facilities on the UIU campus. This innovative lab is set to provide high-quality training and research opportunities in renewable and sustainable energy.

Fouzul Kabir also noted the government’s efforts to increase renewable energy sources like solar and wind, and he emphasized the importance of moving towards a smart grid and enhancing battery storage systems. 

The seminar, chaired by UIU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md Abul Kashem Mia, also featured remarks from Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Power Grid Bangladesh PLC Chairman Prof. M. Rezwan Khan, and Huawei Technologies Bangladesh Ltd CEO Pan Junfeng.

The Huawei-funded CER solar lab aims to advance capacity building and human resource development, with tailored training for the Bangladeshi market. Course content will cover the latest research in renewable energy technology, digital power, and smart energy solutions.

Ambassador Yao Wen stated that the lab’s inauguration marks a pivotal step in the China-Bangladesh partnership, underlining China’s commitment to local talent development and UIU’s role in advancing the solar energy sector.

Huawei CEO Pan Junfeng added that Bangladesh's shift away from fossil fuels aligns with their work in establishing solar power plants. He noted that as of December 2023, Huawei Digital Power has enabled Bangladesh to generate 437.5 million kWh of green power, reducing carbon emissions by 207,867 tons—equivalent to planting 284,450 trees.

Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, director of CER at UIU, highlighted the rapid evolution of Bangladesh's renewable energy sector, which he anticipates will generate 3,000 to 4,000 new green jobs as solar power becomes more cost-effective. Chowdhury also stressed the importance of hands-on training to prepare professionals for the sector, noting that the new lab will provide essential practical knowledge.

Established in 2010, CER at UIU aims to drive research in renewable and sustainable energy and efficient resource management. The center has played a key role in designing solar-diesel hybrid mini-grids for rural electrification and serves as a testing institution for Solar Home System (SHS) equipment certification in Bangladesh.