DHAKA, July 11, 2024 (BSS) - The 'Summit-Friendship Solar Village' project, located in Gaibandha, has received the Reuters' Global Energy Transition Awards 2024 under the 'Projects of Impact' category in New York, the 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 neighboring islands (Chars) in the river Brahmaputra, said a release today.

Summit wants to serve 100 percent of Bangladesh with infrastructures such as electricity and communication, chairman of Summit Power International Muhammed Aziz Khan said.

"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.