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, benefiting neighboring islands in 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 improving the overall quality of life. Runa Khan, founder of Friendship, highlighted the project's role in creating livelihood opportunities, which will enhance education for children and reduce environmental and public health risks by replacing kerosene lamps with clean solar energy.
In addition to supporting economic activities, the Solar Village promotes social and agricultural prosperity in the region. The project's success in scaling up to a hectare demonstrates the feasibility and potential of solar microgrids in transforming remote communities. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the Summit-Friendship Solar Village project contributes to global efforts to combat climate change and promotes sustainable development.
Expanding Solar Hamlets for Broader Impact
The strategic location of the Solar Village 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 illustrates 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 be significant.
Scaling Up Solar Settlements for Global Energy Transition
The success of the Summit-Friendship Solar Village can serve as a model for scaling up similar projects across Bangladesh and beyond. By applying the Solar Village model to other underserved and predominantly poor regions, countries can address energy deficits and provide their citizens with a fresh start. This model offers a modern and eco-friendly solution that integrates local people, infrastructure, and renewable energy sources into a single, platform-based approach.
The Solar Village model is a practical response to the growing global energy crisis. By eliminating energy deficits and promoting sustainable development, it offers a pathway to a greener and more prosperous future.
The success of the Summit-Friendship Solar Village project not only benefits the underserved population of Kabilpur Char but also has broader implications for global energy transitions. The project demonstrates that moving from centralized fossil fuel systems to solar microgrids is a feasible solution that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and strengthens global energy infrastructure.
Educating and Empowering Through Renewable Energy
Solar villages like Summit-Friendship ensure 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. The economic benefits for remote villages are just as vital as the reliable electricity they provide.
Education and awareness regarding renewable energies are key components of the Solar Village project. By integrating solar energy into their daily lives, the inhabitants learn about the benefits and procedures of its use, fostering a culture that encourages the development of renewable energies. The younger generation is thus inspired to enter the field and further advance the technology.
The Summit-Friendship Solar Village in Gaibandha, Bangladesh, showcases what is possible using clean and renewable energy. By delivering safe and reliable energy to communities disconnected from the mainstream grid, Summit-Friendship elevates standards of living and supports broader environmental and development goals. The momentum for renewable energy is growing, and projects like this are leading the way.
Education and Awareness
In addition to housing, education and awareness regarding renewable energies were key components of the Solar Village project as well.
By integrating solar energy in their daily lives, the inhabitants learn about the procedures and benefits of its use, fostering a culture conducive to the development of renewable energies. The younger generation is thus encouraged to enter the field and further advance the technology.
Summit-Friendship Solar Village in Gaibandha, Bangladesh, shows what is possible using clean and renewable energy. For that, it won the Reuters’ Global Energy Transition Award 2024.
By delivering safe, reliable energy to communities that are presently disconnected from the mainstream grid, Summit-Friendship elevates standards of living and aids in achieving broader environmental and development goals.
I’m Wossarroi Rani, from India I would like to express my view that Indian villages are in need of solar.