Summit Group’s Solar Village Project Wins Global Recognition for Rural Energy Innovation
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The ‘Summit-Friendship Solar Village’ project, a collaborative initiative between Summit Group and international social purpose organization Friendship, has received the prestigious Reuters’ Global Energy Transition Awards 2024 under the ‘Projects of Impact’ category. The award was presented in New York on June 25, 2024, recognizing the project’s significant contribution to improved energy affordability and climate resilience in Bangladesh’s remote regions.
Located in Char Kabilpur of Gaibandha district, this 57.6 kW scalable solar microgrid now serves as a vital energy hub for approximately 3,000 people living in remote, sedimentary islands in the Brahmaputra River. The project benefits 205 ultra-poor households, a local market consisting of 26 shops, four primary schools, one Madrasa, and Friendship’s Legal Information Booth in areas currently outside the national grid.
“Summit wants to serve 100% of Bangladesh with infrastructures such as electricity and communication. Some ‘Char’ areas, which are outside the national grid, also deserve electricity,” remarked Muhammed Aziz Khan, Chairman of Summit Power International. “The award-winning Friendship NGO has done wonders. It’s a privilege to provide solar energy to the 3,000 people of Char Kabilpur in association with Friendship.”
The project was selected from among 500 global entries this year for its concrete results in improving energy affordability and enhancing local resilience against climate change. The solar village plays an integral role in enabling isolated communities to access modern amenities, extending business hours for commerce, and supporting academic activities.
Friendship founder Runa Khan emphasized the unique challenges of the region, stating: “Anyone who has seen the mighty River Jamuna will understand that mainline power grids are not really possible here. On the other hand, this solar grid will provide income-generating opportunities and livelihoods, as well as opportunities for children’s education, and of course that hope and dignity thrive. We want to thank Summit for its support.”
The innovative approach also addresses environmental concerns by reducing reliance on traditional kerosene lamps, which emit toxic fumes and present fire hazards. This project highlights Summit Group’s commitment to sustainable solutions that benefit underserved communities while advancing Bangladesh’s renewable energy goals.
This award follows Summit’s broader commitment to invest $3 billion in clean energy projects across South Asia, as the company continues to diversify its energy portfolio toward more sustainable sources.
About Summit Group
Founded in 1973 by Muhammed Aziz Khan, Summit Group is the largest infrastructure conglomerate in Bangladesh, employing over 6,000 people with investments across energy, ports, logistics, and information technology sectors. Summit Power International, incorporated in Singapore in 2016, is a leading infrastructure developer and operator in South Asia whose strategic partners include JERA, Mitsubishi Corporation, and GE. The group is committed to providing affordable, sustainable energy solutions while supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development.
About Muhammed Aziz Khan
Muhammed Aziz Khan, PBM, is the founder and Chairman of Summit Power International Limited and Summit Holdings Ltd. A Singapore citizen of Bangladeshi origin, he has led Summit Group from Bangladesh’s first private sector power producer to a diversified infrastructure conglomerate. In 2024, Khan was appointed Chair of the UNICEF International Council, recognizing his longstanding commitment to education and child welfare. He received the Public Service Medal (COVID-19) and Pingat Bakti Masyarakat from Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office in 2023 for his outstanding contributions during the pandemic. Mr. Khan holds an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka and serves as Honorary Consul General of Finland to Bangladesh (2016-2025). He is also the Chairman of Siraj Khaleda Trust, Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Asian University for Women (AUW).
Contacts
Media Contact: Mohsena Hassan
Email: mohsena.hassan@summit-centre.com
