SMART SIP+ is funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Ayrton Fund which aims to give developing countries access to the latest cutting-edge tech for reducing their emissions and meeting global climate change targets.
This baseline research has informed BCU’s collaboration with the Bright Green Energy Foundation (BGEF). Together they have been piloting a system for maximising surplus energy from Solar Irrigation Pumps (SIP).
The surplus energy can run cold storage systems – which provide energy-efficient refrigeration to reduce post-harvest losses for local farmers - supply power for electric vehicle charging stations to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower transport costs for rural residents, and provide clean and safe drinking water.
“This project has reinforced the importance of integrating technological solutions such as smart monitoring systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, and scalable service models with inclusive policies and collaboration” said Honey Yadav, BCU Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Smart SIP+. “It’s highlighted that sustainable impact is about ensuring that innovation is accessible, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of underserved populations. My experience collaborating with partners and communities in Bangladesh has shown that technology, sustainability, and social good can work together to improve lives on a large scale.”
To-date the SMART-SIP+ project has engaged over 1,400 farmers, pump owners, and other local stakeholders across four districts, developing a structured knowledge base of local demand and supply conditions in order to tailor appropriate solutions.
“Through combining BAU knowledge of Bangladeshi farming systems, mechanisation and community engagement with BCU’s research expertise” added Dr Chayan Kumer Saha from BAU. “We are together producing locally grounded evidence that can inform policy, reduce emissions, improve food security and support climate-resilient rural livelihoods. To continue this partnership, we plan to deepen technical collaboration, publish evidence for scale-up, and explore future joint research and innovation opportunities which will benefit Bangladesh’s agricultural and rural communities.”
Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) have, during their first year collaborating with the SMART-SIP+ project, looked at different ways to make use of surplus SIP electricity. At a dedicated demonstration site in Chuadanga, BCU researchers and WSUP have focused on drinking water purification, biogas electricity and E-bike charging.
Over the next phase WSUP will work with BCU to advance the SMART-SIP+ technologies, co-design new business models to ensure wider roll out, support community-led adoption and expand access to purified drinking water all of which creates real economic benefit.
“Through the SMART-SIP+ project BGEF and BCU aim to establish a Green Hub blueprint that can be replicated across other off-grid regions in Bangladesh, all with the aim of empowering rural entrepreneurs and achieving 100 percenrt renewable energy” said Dipal C, Barua, Founder and Chairman of Bright Green Energy. The pilot phase in year one has shown us that project will enable us to achieve modern energy security and food security through diversified use of Solar Energy in Bangladesh, from installing 500 new SIPs to training 100,000 rural women to set up their own renewable energy businesses by 2030. Providing access to clean water for example reduces women’s daily burden allowing them to engage in other income-generating activities.”
SMART-SIP+ research will continue to be delivered until the end of 2027.
For additional information:
Birmingham City University (BCU)
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)
