The Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka was established in November 2013 by conversion of erstwhile Institute of Renewable Energy (estd. 2011 by the fifteenth statue of DU). This institute is pioneer in doing research and education in the field of Renewable Energy Technology in Bangladesh since 1981, then known as Renewable Energy Research Centre (RERC). Institute of Energy (IE) of Dhaka University (DU) was founded with the mission of doing applied research and various skill development activities in diverse areas of renewable energy technology. The institution is focused on developing sustainable energy systems and finding solutions for the future energy crises of the country. A group of highly qualified teachers and scholars of the Dhaka University has been making relentless effort to provide quality education in this field. We all strive to educate our upcoming generation, to equip them with valuable and market-oriented know-how for the country. The goal of IE is to open up opportunity for graduates and professionals to contribute in RE field at global level.
By conducting academic programs like MS, M Phil, PhD in Renewable Energy Technology (RET), IE supports in the development of skill work force in the RE sector of the country. Development of required manpower in the field of Renewable Energy Technology would cater the ever growing demand. Since 2011, the Institute of Energy has taken up the timely step to introduce an MS program in Renewable Energy Technology (MRET) of 18 months (three semester) duration. This course is open to graduates of multiple disciplines of science and energy. Due to growing demand, the Institute also started Professional MS in Renewable Energy Technology (PMRET) from 2016-2017 session where class time is after office hour and on weekly holidays. We believe that this noble venture will perpetuate in materializing the goal of imparting quality education to our society.
Degree Requirements for MS Degree
For a degree in MS in Renewable Energy Technology (MRET) the student must complete the total 45 credits and must have minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5.
So far more than one hundred students completed their MS degree from this Institute. At present the institute has 250 MRET and PMRET students, 6 MPhil and 4 PhD research students.
IE also regularly conducts several short courses/training programs for the power sector of Govt. officials as well organizes programs like demonstration, dissemination, and awareness of sustainable energy technologies for the general people that includes residential, commercial, industrial and governmental organizations who are consumers of power and energy. The institution is situated at Energy Park beside Science Library Campus, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
Activities of the Institute
Participation in National Electricity Week-2016
Institute of Energy, Dhaka University, participated in a innovative project competition on ‘PV Powered 3-Phase AC Micro-Grid for Rural Appliance’. The project won the inter university national innovative competition first prize. As project coordinator Prof. Dr. Saiful Huque, Director, Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka received the prize from the hands of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is also in charge of Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MEPMR). Power division of MEPMR organized ‘National Electricity Week-2016’from 7-10 December, 2016 at International Convention City, Basundhara, Baridhara, Dhaka.
MoU signing
To enhance collaborative research on renewable energy technology, number of MoU were signed, such as
with Humboldt-University Berlin/Life Science Faculty Albrecht-Daniel-Thaer Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture/Ecology of Utilization of Resources 10099 Berlin, Germany, 2016 and with Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Guangzhou, China, 2017. Similar MoU were signed with local and international organization.
Training Course
Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka conducted successful training program for officials of Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh on 28th August to 1st September, 2016. The training was entitled Solar Technology System and its Applicationand was supported by UNDP and SREPgen project. Such activities are continuing with other Govt. and private organization.
Seminars & Exhibition
Every year the institute organizes a national renewable energy expo where and publishes energy magazine/journal to promote and share the technical knowledge to the relevant parties.
This year Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka, in association with Bangladesh Solar Energy Society (BSES) organized the 18th National Renewable Energy Conference and Green Expo 2018. Theme was ”Sustainable Energy Management: Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, right Utilization, Research and Industrial linkage, Opportunities and Challenges”.
The main objective of this conference was conducting proactive dialogues and interactions between academia, Power industries, products, user and policy makers. The conference aims was to facilitate exchange of thoughts and research projects on the latest development of Renewable Energy technologies and way forward for adaptation. Researchers and professionals from prominent universities, Government nodal agencies, utility companies, industries, service providers and renowned national and international companies were participated in the conference.
Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka and Bangladesh Solar Energy Society jointly organized a four days (15-18 March) Exhibition titled ‘17th National Renewable Energy & Green Expo 2017’. The main theme of the seminar was ‘Long Term Planning for Renewable Energy in Bangladesh 2017-2050’. Honorable Energy Advisory of Prime Minister Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikram was present as the Chief Guest at the seminar. Professor Dr. A A M S Arefin Siddique, Honorable Vice-Chancellor, University of Dhaka presided over the inaugural program. Every year ‘National Renewable Energy & Green Expo’receives extensive media coverage in both of electronic and print media.
Promotion of Investors activities
Solarland, Huawei of the People's Republic of China and Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka jointly organized a seminar on‘Roadmap of Solar Park in Bangladesh’. Honorable Energy Advisory of Prime Minister Dr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikram was present as the Chief Guest at the seminar. Honorable Vice-Chancellor, University of Dhaka, Professor Dr. A A M S Arefin Siddique presided over the program.
Debate Competition
A debate competition is being organized regularly between the college and university level students at the playground of Dhaka University's Physical Education Center. The topic of the debate is ‘Green Environment and Renewable Energy’. Reputable universities and 6 colleges of the country participated in this competition.
Energy Olympiad
Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka and Bangladesh Solar Energy Society jointly organize the ‘Energy Olympiad’ program in the Playground of Dhaka University. The toic of the program was ‘Energy Saving’. Students of various renowned schools and colleges of the country participated in this program.
Art Competition
Institute of Energy, University of Dhaka and Bangladesh Solar Energy Society jointly organized the Children Art Competition in the central playground of the Physical Education Center of Dhaka University. The theme of the competition is ‘The use of Solar Energy in Sonar Bangla of Bangabondhu’.
Research Laboratory
IE has number of research laboratories such as RET, Bio Energy, Improved Cook SStove and biomass fuel development, Solar PV test bed, Solar irradiance data logger, Grid tied PV system with net metering model.
Outdoor display solar thermal system, solar desalination, Bio gas plant, wind generator, PV water pumping system, BIPV, solar concentrator, Weather station, Power and battery analyzer for energy audit, fabrication workshop.
Publications
IE has number publications like Enerzine a biyearly English magazine on energy, Bengali news letter on renewable energy, Dhaka University Journal of Energy and Environment etc.
Contribution in Policy Level
Institute of energy is an active member of different government institution that is related to development of RE sector such as Sustainable Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (EPRC), Sustainable Banking Division of Bangladesh Bank, Technical Standard Committee of Infrastructure Development Company (IDCOL), Net metering policy development, power division, RE development committee of Ministry of Energy, Power and Mineral Resources etc.
A good number professional those who obtained MS degree from this institute is now employed at various local and international organizations as well working as PhD researcher in many overseas countries. Researcher and academic are working with dedication on various Carbon emission mitigation project. Work is also going on the development of low cost sustainable energy solution for unreached people in the coastal region of the country. All these activities indicate our commitment and the positive contribution to the needs of the society.
Prof. Saiful Huque;
Director, Institute of Energy,
University of Dhaka
