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UK and Bangladesh to collaborate on energy research

28 February 2012 DECC, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Government of Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum…

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

28 February 2012

DECC, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Government of Bangladesh have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Research today.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) internationally renowned UK universities and institutes will partner with colleagues in Bangladesh to develop research projects on renewable energy, and work relating to energy technologies, systems, services and policies.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said:

“International collaboration on research is vital to make renewable energy viable for developing countries and help tackle climate change. Through the Memorandum of Understanding, not only can we offer our world-leading expertise in sustainable energy solutions but we can also learn valuable lessons from countries that are undergoing rapid change.”

Professor David Delpy, CEO of EPSRC, said:

“This MOU presents a fantastic opportunity for leading researchers in the UK and Bangladesh to work together to tackle this global issue, and this cooperative approach will enhance the impact of UK energy research.”

Andree Carter, Director of UKCDS, said:

“This is a really important milestone for scientific collaboration between the UK and Bangladesh. UK scientists are really looking forward to working with those in Bangladesh to build stronger relationships which can help address low carbon science and engineering challenges. The MoU is an excellent model for future collaborations with Bangladesh and other countries in the world.”

Access to energy services is a pre-condition for development. Bangladesh despite its vulnerability to climate change, has been experiencing sustained economic growth for more than a decade. It now faces big choices on the kind of energy infrastructure that it should develop to meet its ever increasing energy needs.

For Bangladesh to make those choices, it needs high quality research and development into energy systems and their interactions with society.

Notes for editors

  1. Cooperation on science and technology between developed and developing countries is recognised by the international community as a key action for reducing greenhouse gas emissions whilst enabling sustainable development
  2. The UK energy research is internationally recognised for its excellence. The UK energy research community has a great deal to offer in terms of world class expertise on renewable energy technologies.
  3. This initiative will facilitate the building of relationships and partnerships between UK and Bangladeshi scientists, engineers and policy makers and help achieve transition to climate resilient, low carbon economy.
  4. EPSRC will issue a call in the summer for collaborative research projects on low carbon energy for development and expects to support research proposals under this MoU.
  5. UK Collaborative on Development Sciences (UKCDS) brings together 13 UK funders and stakeholders with an interest in international development research. Under its auspices, research funders and policy makers from across government and science disciplines work together to
  • Provide a more coordinated approach to development sciences research
  • Maximise the impact of UK research funding on international development outcomes
Published 28 February 2012