Standard Chartered Bangladesh and Friendship Launch Environmental Project to Empower Remote Island Community

Strategic Insights -

In a major initiative aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, in partnership with Friendship, has launched an environmentally-focused project to provide clean energy, water, and climate resilience to Notunchar, a remote island in Kurigram. The project includes the establishment of a 70-kilowatt solar micro-grid, a water treatment facility, and a large-scale afforestation drive to combat soil erosion and enhance biodiversity. The project seeks to benefit 875 households, shops, schools, and religious institutions, while empowering local residents with skills to maintain the micro-grid and related infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project will establish a 70-kilowatt solar micro-grid, supporting a water treatment facility and a large-scale afforestation drive, to provide clean energy and water to 875 households and institutions.
  • The solar plant is estimated to produce 263 kWh of energy per day, sufficient to power 175 households and multiple shops, schools, and religious institutions.
  • A water treatment plant will supply 60 litres of clean water per hour, meeting the community's drinking water needs and the solar grid's maintenance requirements.
  • 8,000 trees will be planted on Notunchar, Ghughumari Char, and other 8 chars in Gaibandha and Chilmari to combat soil erosion, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to carbon offsetting.
  • The project will provide training for 10 para-solar technicians and solar entrepreneurs, enabling local residents to build and maintain the micro-grid and related infrastructure.
  • The partnership reflects a long-term vision to bridge inequality and expand opportunity in remote communities.

Statistics:

  • The solar plant is estimated to produce 263 kWh of energy per day.
  • The project will benefit 875 households, shops, schools, and religious institutions.
  • 60 litres of clean water is supplied per hour by the water treatment plant.
  • 8,000 trees will be planted across Notunchar, Ghughumari Char, and other 8 chars in Gaibandha and Chilmari.
  • 10 para-solar technicians and solar entrepreneurs will be trained under the project.

Sources:

  • Standard Chartered Bangladesh
  • Friendship
  • Runa Khan, founder and executive director of Friendship
  • Naser Ezaz Bijoy, CEO of Standard Chartered Bangladesh