Renewable energy essential for power security: RUET VC

Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) Professor Dr SM Abdur Razzak has stressed the need for prioritising research and wider use of renewable energy to reduce growing dependence on fossil fuels and ensure long-term energy security.

He said achieving sustainable development requires strong focus on electricity and energy research, adding that innovation must be directed towards identifying alternative energy sources for national use.

“We have to carry out research on electricity and energy if we want to move forward technologically. Through research, alternative energy sources must be discovered and utilised to ensure energy security for national development,” he said.

The RUET VC made the remarks while addressing the prize-giving ceremony of the “PSREF Industrial Energy Challenge: Designing a Green Transition” at the university’s seminar room on Wednesday as the chief guest.

The event was jointly organised by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Institute of Energy and Environmental Studies (IEES) and RUET. It was presided over by IEES Director and Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Professor Dr Nurul Islam.

Professor Abdur Razzak said energy serves as the main driving force of development, noting that indicators such as per capita electricity consumption reflect a country’s level of progress.

He said nations with stronger education, research, and technological capacity tend to have higher electricity consumption per person.

The competition showcased innovative projects from eight teams representing different engineering universities, all focusing on renewable and green energy solutions.

Team Ever Fresh secured the championship title, while Team Opochoy-Zero and Team Greenery Grid finished as first and second runners-up respectively.

Faculty members, students, and officials including Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering Professor Dr Md Kamruzzaman, Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr Md Robiul Islam Sarker, and CPD Research Associate Md Mehedi Hasan Shamim were also present at the event along with other participants and organisers.