Huawei, in partnership with the Centre for Energy Research (CER) at United International University (UIU), has inaugurated Bangladesh's first Solar Energy Lab with Energy Storage System (ESS) facilities at the UIU campus. This pioneering lab aims to offer top-notch training and research opportunities in renewable energy, marking a significant step in advancing Bangladesh’s solar sector.
The inauguration ceremony was held at UIU's Multipurpose Hall, followed by a seminar on 'The Role of Smart Grid in the Future Power System'. Prof. Dr. Md. Abul Kashem Mia, UIU Vice-Chancellor, chaired the event. Chief Guest Prof. Dr. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, emphasized the importance of renewable energy in reducing energy costs. Special guests included H.E. Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, and Pan Junfeng, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Ltd.
The Huawei-funded lab aims to foster human resource development and build capacity in renewable energy. Courses will be developed by Huawei and CER to meet the needs of Bangladesh’s energy market. Shahriar Ahmed Chowdhury, CER Director, noted that the renewable energy sector could create up to 4,000 green jobs in the coming years, highlighting the need for practical training.
In his speech, Yao Wen emphasized this lab as a milestone in China-Bangladesh collaboration, supporting local talent development. Pan Junfeng praised Huawei’s ongoing commitment to Bangladesh, underscoring the lab’s role in empowering young engineers in renewable energy.
CER, established in 2010, has already received several international awards and plays a leading role in solar hybrid mini-grids and solar PV certification. This lab, Huawei’s second major university-level initiative, complements its ICT Academy at BUET, showcasing Huawei's dedication to talent development in the technology and energy sectors in Bangladesh.
