SMART-SIP+
Harnessing Solar Energy for the Electrification of Agriculture in Bangladesh
Advancing clean energy
'SMART-SIP+' is a £2.6m project that will transform the lives of farmers in rural Bangladesh by advancing clean energy and sustainable agriculture led by a team of researchers from Birmingham City University in partnership with Bangladesh Agricultural University and NGOs Bright Green Energy Foundation and Water and Sanitation for the Urban Poor.
This project 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.
Promoting a greener and more resilient future for rural farmers
One of the project’s goals is to increase the shelf life of perishable fruits and vegetables, which will empower local farming communities – in particular women, who are largely responsible for post-harvest activities – to create new micro-businesses to boost their local economy.
Rooted in Birmingham, Reaching Beyond
In Bangladesh, more than 60% of the population rely on agriculture for income, yet most of the country’s 1.6 million irrigation pumps still run on diesel fuel. This makes them a big contributor to the country’s carbon emissions and air pollution.
Seeking to drive a large-scale clean energy transition in rural communities, the goal is cut emissions and utilise energy more efficiently. The project aims to develop smart energy systems that harness excess electricity generated by Solar Irrigation Pumps (SIPs) and channel it towards local agricultural needs, such as sustainable cooling, post-harvest management, and food processing.
Professor Hanifa Shah
This project is a shining example of how Computing, Engineering and Built Environment's expertise in clean energy technologies, sustainable systems and interdisciplinary STEAM innovation aligns with BCU’s strategic vision of creating knowledge for good. By integrating advanced energy systems with sustainable agricultural practices, we’re addressing global challenges while empowering local communities. This initiative embodies our commitment to driving impactful change that fosters environmental resilience, economic prosperity and social equity—core values of our faculty and BCU’s Strategy 2030.
Meet the project lead
Professor Lynsey Melville will lead an interdisciplinary project team from the faculties of Business, Law and Social Sciences (BLSS), and Computing Engineering, and Built Environment.
They will collaborate with partners at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and leading Bangladeshi NGOs – Bright Green Energy Foundation and Water and Sanitation for Urban Poor.
Contact
For more details on the research project, please contact the project lead Lynsey.melville@bcu.ac.uk
