A journey towards sustainable energy leadership in Bangladesh

As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts, Bangladesh faces increasing challenges in balancing energy security with environmental sustainability. The nation relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources, with natural gas accounting for about 60 per cent of electricity production. This dependency on fossil fuels worsens environmental degradation while leaving the energy sector exposed to global price volatility in terms of buying non-renewable energy sources.

The Bangladeshi government has recognised the need for an energy transition and has set an ambitious goal to source 40 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2041. Initiatives like the establishment of the Sustainable Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and the introduction of net metering regulations prioritise initial steps toward this transformation. Even then, progress has been slow due to land constraints for solar farms, high upfront costs, and grid infrastructure limitations. The untapped potential of wind and biomass energy further emphasise the need for innovative approaches and stakeholder engagement.

Amidst these systemic challenges, youths like Mehdi Hasan Shamim aim to contribute to Bangladesh's energy transition. With a robust academic foundation and professional dedication, he is a symbol of Bangladesh's youth's potential to lead its energy transformation.

Mehadi's journey began at Daffodil International University, where his undergraduate studies in Electrical and Electronic Engineering ignited a passion for renewable energy. His undergraduate thesis on grid-integrated solar photovoltaic systems became a turning point, creating his interest in working on sustainable energy solutions.

"I was captivated by the potential of renewable energy to tackle global energy and environmental challenges," Mehadi told this writer. This vision led him to pursue a master's degree in energy systems at IIT Madras, a globally renowned institution offering world-class faculty and cutting-edge research opportunities in emerging fields like green hydrogen, hybrid renewable systems, and energy storage technologies.

Youths often think about the most important process of applying for a master's programme at top universities. It is often found that research is the key to finding the right match and preparing oneself in the best way possible for that programme. The application process for his higher studies was thorough research. Mehadi prepared a strong academic profile, secured compelling recommendation letters, and articulated his aspirations in a well-crafted statement of purpose. "I studied IIT Madras's curriculum, explored the research interests of faculty members, and assessed how the programme aligned with my aspirations. Understanding the emphasis on sustainability and advanced energy systems gave me confidence that this was the right programme for me," he said. His admission was further supported by the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarship, which provided a structured pathway for international students like him.

The selection process for a top master's programme often involves multiple stages, including an evaluation of the applicant's academic credentials, research experience, and technical skills. While the ICCR scholarship process did not include a specific entrance exam for IIT, Mehadi underwent an English proficiency test conducted by the High Commission of India in Dhaka, followed by an interview to discuss his academic background, achievements, and aspirations after receiving the offer letter from IIT Madras.

The rigorous interview process had three distinct sections: General and Mathematical Assessment, Subject-Specific Evaluation, and Research Discussion. The General and Mathematical Assessment assessed the candidate's foundational knowledge and analytical aptitude in mathematics. The Subject-Specific Evaluation focused on the candidate's undergraduate background in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. The Research Discussion explored the candidate's prior research experiences and future research aspirations, highlighting their alignment with the Energy Systems programme and its objectives.

During his master's, Mehadi's academic experience went above theoretical learning. One of his major projects was the techno-economic and life cycle assessment of a hybrid energy system including green hydrogen technologies. "The project allowed me to explore the potential of renewable energy solutions to mitigate carbon emissions," he noted.

The research, which involved complex simulations using HOMER Pro and life cycle assessments through Open LCA, tested Mehadi's analytical and technical capabilities. Beyond developing expertise in advanced tools, Mehadi has developed critical skills such as collaboration, teamwork, resilience, and systematic problem-solving.

"The academic culture encouraged intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, challenging me to approach problems from diverse perspectives. Additionally, the presence of peers from varied cultural and academic backgrounds enriched my learning experience by exposing me to global perspectives and approaches," Mehadi reflected.

As a programme associate within the Research Division at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Mehadi is now applying his expertise to policy-driven solutions for Bangladesh's energy transition. His aspirations are deeply rooted in creating cost-effective renewable energy projects suited to the nation's particular geographic and economic circumstances.

"My focus is on promoting decentralised solutions like community-based microgrids in off-grid rural areas and integrating green hydrogen technology into the energy mix," Mehadi shared. He also envisions fostering public awareness and capacity-building initiatives to ensure a skilled workforce can drive the transition.

"I want to use my academic experiences to promote knowledge sharing and collaboration for renewable energy initiatives. I want to contribute significantly to Bangladesh's transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future by fusing local ideas with international best practices," Mehadi said about his plans. However, he emphasises that the success of these efforts depends on robust policy implementation, infrastructure development, and collaboration among stakeholders.

For Bangladeshi students aiming to contribute to their country's development through higher education, Mehadi offers clear advice: "Build a strong academic foundation, gain practical experience, and align your aspirations with impactful research goals." He emphasises the importance of leveraging opportunities like scholarship and points out networking as a critical tool for success.

The journey of Mehadi Hasan Shamim shows the formative power of education and the resilience required to address global challenges. His aspiration and academic journey to a foreign master's programme and then returning to the country show the role of passionate individuals in driving the nation's transition toward a sustainable energy future.

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