The Summit-Friendship Solar Village project has been recognized as a winner in the “Projects of Impact” category at the Reuters Global Energy Transition Awards 2024. This prestigious award, presented at the historic 95 Wall Street in New York, honors initiatives demonstrating transformational efforts in adapting to and thriving in a new energy landscape.
Impact of the Solar Community on Energy Access
Located in Kabilpur Char, Gaibandha, Bangladesh, the Summit-Friendship Solar Village was celebrated for its significant contributions to improving energy affordability and enhancing local resilience against climate change. The 57.6-kilowatt scalable solar microgrid serves as a central energy hub for 3,000 residents on this remote sedimentary island, also benefiting neighboring islands along the Brahmaputra River.
Gaibandha, Bangladesh
Muhammed Aziz Khan, chairman of Summit Power International, emphasized the importance of such initiatives: “Summit wants to serve 100 percent of Bangladesh with infrastructures for electricity and communication. Some ‘char’ areas, which are outside the national grid, also deserve electricity.” This project underscores the potential of solar energy to bridge gaps in energy access and bring modern amenities to isolated communities.
The Solar Village project has profoundly impacted the local community by providing reliable, low-cost electricity essential for economic activity and an improved quality of life. Runa Khan, founder of Friendship, highlighted the project’s role in creating livelihood opportunities, enhancing education for children, and reducing health risks by replacing kerosene lamps with clean solar energy.
In addition to supporting economic activities, the initiative promotes social and agricultural prosperity, demonstrating the feasibility and potential of solar microgrids in transforming remote communities. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Summit-Friendship Solar Village also contributes to global efforts to combat climate change and advance sustainable development.
Expanding Solar Hamlets for Broader Impact
The Solar Village’s strategic location on the sediment islands of the Brahmaputra River highlights the suitability of solar microgrids in areas where traditional power grids are difficult to establish. As the project continues to expand, it sets a precedent for adopting solar microgrids in other underserved regions, potentially becoming a standard solution for energy access in remote areas.
The collaboration between Summit Power International and Friendship NGO demonstrates the power of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. As more Solar Villages are established, their cumulative impact on energy access, environmental protection, and community resilience will grow significantly.
Scaling Up Solar Settlements for Global Energy Transition
The success of the Summit-Friendship Solar Village serves as a model for scaling up similar projects across Bangladesh and beyond. By applying this model to other underserved and predominantly poor regions, countries can address energy deficits and provide their citizens with a fresh start. This approach offers a modern, eco-friendly solution that integrates local people, infrastructure, and renewable energy into a single platform.
As a practical response to the growing global energy crisis, the Solar Village model offers a pathway to a greener, more prosperous future by eliminating energy deficits and promoting sustainable development. The project demonstrates that transitioning from centralized fossil fuel systems to solar microgrids is a feasible solution that not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also strengthens global energy infrastructure.
Educating and Empowering Through Renewable Energy
Solar villages like Summit-Friendship provide reliable and affordable energy while creating economic development opportunities for residents. With steady electricity, small businesses can thrive, farms can be irrigated, and jobs can be created in the installation and maintenance of solar systems. For these remote villages, such economic benefits are as vital as the electricity itself.
Education and awareness of renewable energy are also key components of the project. By integrating solar energy into their daily lives, residents learn about its practical benefits firsthand, fostering a culture that encourages further renewable development. This, in turn, inspires the younger generation to enter the field and advance the technology.
The Summit-Friendship Solar Village in Gaibandha, Bangladesh, showcases what is possible with clean, renewable energy. By delivering safe, reliable power to communities disconnected from the mainstream grid, the project elevates living standards and supports broader environmental and development goals. The momentum for renewable energy is growing, and initiatives like this are leading the way.
I’m Wossarroi Rani, from India I would like to express my view that Indian villages are in need of solar.