A seminar on the "Renewable Energy Transition—Now! Recent Advances in Technology, Applications, Financing and Policy" was held at 10 am on 25 August, 2015 in Room UB 21511 of the MNS Department. The speaker of the seminar was Professor Sajed Kamal of Brandeis University, Massachusetts, USA. Dr. Kamal teaches in the sustainable international development program and has been internationally involved in the field for more than thirty years, setting up projects in the USA, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Armenia and El Salvador. In Bangladesh, he conceived and implemented the pioneering program "A Photovoltaic Pilot Program for Bangladesh" (1989-1991). In 2007 he was awarded Boston “Mayor’s First Annual Green Award for Community Leadership in Energy and Climate Protection.” In 2008 he received “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and in 2012 the “Rachel Carson Award” by Massachusetts Interfaith Power & Light. “The Greener Issue” of The Boston Sunday Globe Magazine on September 28, 2008, featured him as one of the “Six local heroes whose work is having rippling effects—at home and far away—in making the world a better place.” Dr. Kamal authored a number of books on renewable energy and sustainable development.
The seminar started with some introductory remarks by Professor A. A. Z. Ahmad, Chairperson of the MNS Department. Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University was among others who attended the seminar.
In his powerpoint presentation, citing some of the recent advances in renewable energy technologies, applications, financing and policies worldwide, Dr. Kamal asserted that renewable energy options specially, solar energy was the demand of the day. The presentation showed innovative applications of renewable energy technologies—including photovoltaics, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, solar thermal systems, solar greenhouses, solar cookers and biogas plants—that were opening up new possibilities around the world. It demonstrated a variety of ways—taking advantage of various financing options and policies—in which individuals, communities, utilities, businesses, educational and religious institutions, and governments were turning this vision of sustainability and peace into action, inspiring more solutions.
Dr. Kamal reminded the audience that the transition toward renewable energy should take place as soon as possible. After the seminar there was a lively discussion.