UGC launches ‘OPEX model’ for 60mw solar plants at 31 public univs

University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a major initiative to expand the use of renewable energy across the country’s public universities with installing rooftop solar power systems through private investment. 

In the first phase, rooftop solar plants with a combined generation capacity of nearly 60 megawatts (mw) will be set up at 31 public universities, significantly reducing electricity costs and dependence on the national grid.

The initiative was disclosed at a review meeting on ‘rooftop solar power installation’ held at the UGC headquarters on Thursday.

UGC officials said the current tariff for solar-generated electricity in Bangladesh is around Tk 15 per unit. However, under an operational expenditure (OPEX) model, the cost could be reduced to less than half. A pilot project has already demonstrated a tariff of Tk 7.50 per unit, which dropped to Tk 7 per unit after the project’s capacity was expanded.

According to the UGC, feasibility studies have been completed at 47 public universities and one international university. The assessment identified an initial rooftop solar generation potential of 52.5mw at 31 public universities, with the capacity expected to increase to approximately 60mw as infrastructure is expanded.

UGC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed said the OPEX model places the responsibility for financing, constructing, operating and maintaining the solar facilities on private investors, eliminating the need for any upfront government investment. Universities will simply pay for the electricity they consume, UGC chairman added.

He added that a centrally managed procurement, monitoring and quality assurance system would encourage greater private-sector participation while reducing universities’ electricity bills and lowering the country’s reliance on imported energy.

UGC also said a pilot project has already been successfully implemented at one university, providing the foundation for a nationwide rollout. So far, 14 private companies have expressed interest in investing in the initiative.

The commission aims at reducing public universities’ dependence on electricity from the national grid by an average of 20 per cent by 2030. It also expects improved energy efficiency to lower overall electricity demand by 5 to 10pc. Officials believe the initiative will accelerate the adoption of clean energy, reduce operating costs for universities and contribute to the country’s long-term energy security.