Dhaka, Bangladesh — In a bid to cut mounting electricity expenses and promote renewable energy use, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced plans to install solar panels across 32 public universities by 2026. The ambitious initiative, which will begin rolling out in early 2024, represents one of the largest solar adoption programs in the country’s higher education sector.
The project, revealed during a discussion at the National University campus on Tuesday (2 September), is expected to not only reduce operating costs for universities but also contribute surplus energy to the national grid.
Solar Power for Education
Bangladesh’s public universities, many of which manage sprawling campuses and large student populations, face significant electricity bills each year. With rising energy prices straining budgets, the UGC has turned to renewable energy as a cost-saving solution.
Under the plan, solar power systems will be installed on rooftops and available open spaces across universities. By shifting a portion of electricity consumption to solar, institutions can expect reduced reliance on traditional power sources.
For the National University (NU) system — which oversees nearly 70% of the country’s higher education sector — the savings could be substantial.
Colleges to Join in 2025
While the first phase focuses on 32 public universities, the initiative will later extend to colleges under the National University system starting in late 2025. This expansion is particularly significant, given the size and scope of NU’s affiliated institutions spread across the country.
The project will operate under the OPEX (Operating Expenditure) model, meaning colleges and universities will not be burdened with upfront installation costs. Instead, they will purchase electricity at reduced rates from the solar systems, while any excess power generated will be supplied to the national grid.
This structure ensures institutions benefit from lower utility bills without having to allocate major capital resources for the installation.
Key Voices at the Discussion
The announcement was shared by UGC Member Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, who chaired the discussion at the National University campus.
Speaking at the event, National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ASM Amanullah, who served as the chief guest, emphasized the significance of the move:
“The National University administers around 70% of the country’s higher education. Its affiliated colleges possess vast infrastructure, and the main campus alone spends a significant amount on electricity each year. Reducing this burden will benefit the university significantly.”
Energy expert Professor Dr. M. Shamsul Alam, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Daffodil International University, highlighted the potential impact of the initiative, noting that selected public universities could cut their annual electricity consumption by up to 25% through solar adoption.
Other senior officials from both the UGC and the National University also addressed the gathering, underscoring the government’s push to integrate renewable energy solutions into public infrastructure.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The solar panel initiative is expected to yield multiple benefits:
Cost savings: Universities will see a reduction in electricity expenses, easing budgetary pressures.
Energy efficiency: Solar systems will help manage peak load demands, reducing strain on the national power grid.
Environmental impact: By generating clean energy, universities contribute to the country’s climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
National contribution: Surplus electricity produced by university solar systems will flow into the grid, strengthening overall energy availability.
For a country heavily reliant on conventional energy sources, the shift toward solar across large-scale public institutions signals a critical step toward sustainable energy practices.
Toward a Greener Future
The UGC’s initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s broader commitment to expand renewable energy capacity. By targeting universities — institutions that not only consume significant energy but also play a role in shaping future generations — the project carries both practical and symbolic importance.
If successful, the model could serve as a blueprint for expanding solar adoption across other sectors, including schools, hospitals, and government buildings.
For students and faculty, the benefits go beyond financial savings. The presence of solar infrastructure on campuses also offers learning opportunities in renewable energy, engineering, and sustainability — areas increasingly critical for the country’s development.
Next Steps
With installation set to begin in early 2024, the project’s timeline will be closely watched. By 2026, the UGC aims to have solar systems operational in all 32 selected universities, with affiliated colleges joining the network the following year.
For the higher education sector in Bangladesh, the initiative represents a forward-looking investment in resilience, sustainability, and financial prudence. And for the country at large, it marks another milestone in the transition toward renewable energy.
