Photo- UGC

DHAKA, Sept 2, 2025 (BSS) - The University Grants Commission (UGC) has undertaken a project to install solar power panels in public universities and National University (NU)-affiliated colleges across the country to reduce electricity costs and promote environmental sustainability.

Under the plan, solar panels will be installed in 32 public universities by 2026, with NU-affiliated colleges also expected to be brought under the project. 

The initiative follows the OPEX (operational expenditure) model, meaning the institutions will not bear installation costs. Instead, they will use the generated electricity at an affordable price, while surplus power will be added to the national grid.

The initiative was discussed at a meeting held at the National University campus today, with UGC Member Prof. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan in the chair, said an NU press release.

Addressing the session as chief guest, NU Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.S.M. Amanullah said, "About 70 percent of higher education in the country is conducted under the National University. Its affiliated colleges have massive infrastructures with high electricity consumption, which places a huge financial burden.

"If we can reduce this expenditure through renewable energy, the National University will greatly benefit," he added.

Energy expert Prof. M. Shamsul Alam noted that the move could save a significant amount of power nationwide.
 
"If selected public universities adopt the proposed solar system, they will be able to reduce electricity costs by at least 25 percent annually," he said.

NU Pro Vice-Chancellors Prof. Md Lutfar Rahman and Prof. Md Nurul Islam, Treasurer Prof. A.T.M. Zafrul Azam, along with senior officials of UGC and NU, attended the meeting.