The 'Summit-Friendship Solar Village' project, located in Gaibandha, received the Reuters Global Energy Transition Awards 2024 under the 'Projects of Impact' category in New York, USA on June 25.
This 57.6 kW scalable solar microgrid now benefits 3,000 people from Kabilpur of Gaibandha and acts as a hub for other neighbouring islands (Chars) in the river Brahmaputra, according to a release issued on Thursday.
Summit wants to serve 100 per cent of Bangladesh with infrastructures such as electricity and communication, Summit Power International Chairman Muhammed Aziz Khan said, reports BSS.
"Anyone who has seen the mighty Jamuna River will understand that mainline power grids are not really possible here," said Runa Khan, founder of Friendship.
"This solar grid will provide income-generating opportunities and livelihoods, as well as opportunities for children's education," Runa added.
Additionally, renewable solar energy also means less reliance on traditional fossil-fuel-burning kerosene lamps, which give off toxic emissions and also present a fire hazard.
