The University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched an initiative to expand rooftop solar power at public universities through private investment, aiming to cut electricity costs and reduce Bangladesh's reliance on imported energy.
According to a UGC press release issued on Friday, the first phase of the programme targets around 60 megawatts (MW) of rooftop solar generation across 31 public universities.
The decision was announced at a review meeting on rooftop solar installations held at the UGC on Thursday.
Officials at the meeting said electricity generated from solar power currently costs around Tk15 per unit in Bangladesh. However, under an operating expenditure (OPEX) model, the cost could be reduced to less than half.
A feasibility study covering 47 public universities and one international university has already been completed. The study found that 31 public universities could initially generate 52.5MW of solar electricity, with capacity expected to increase to around 60MW after infrastructure expansion.
UGC Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed chaired the meeting, while Daffodil International University Dean Professor M Shamsul Alam presented the technical and commercial aspects of the proposed rooftop solar programme.
He said the pilot OPEX model had achieved a tariff of Tk7.5 per unit of electricity. "When the project capacity was increased to 3.5MW, it came down to 7 takas," he said.
He added that the generation cost could be reduced further to Tk6.5 per unit if supportive government policies, along with customs and tax adjustments, were introduced.
Explaining the financing model, the UGC chairman said private investors would be fully responsible for constructing, operating and maintaining the solar power plants under the OPEX model.
"The private investor will be fully responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of solar power plants in the OPEX model. As a result, there will be no need for any initial investment from the government. The universities will only pay for the electricity they use," he said.
He added that centralised tendering, supervision and quality control would encourage greater private investment. According to him, the initiative would significantly reduce electricity bills at public universities while lowering the country's overall dependence on imported energy.
UGC members Professor Mohammad Anwar Hossen, Professor Md Saidur Rahman, Professor Masuma Habib, Professor Mohammad Ayub Islam and Professor Abdullah-Al-Mamun, UGC Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam, and vice-chancellors from 31 public universities attended the meeting.
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