The Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and the Smart Energy Council (SEC), Australia, have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation in renewable energy, clean technology, and sustainable energy solutions.
The agreement, signed virtually, connected participants in Dhaka — gathered at the Australian High Commission — with counterparts joining from Canberra and the Smart Energy Council’s headquarters in Australia.
Shared Vision and Strategic Goals
The MoU, signed by Mr. Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of BSREA, and Mr. John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council, aims to:
- Deliver solar training and certification programs to equip Bangladeshi installers with world-class skills;
- Support the development of national technical standards for solar and battery technologies;
- Implement end-of-life management solutions for safe recycling and disposal of renewable energy systems;
- Identify joint projects and advocate for policies to drive clean energy investment.
Through these initiatives, the partnership will connect Australia’s advanced renewable technology expertise with Bangladesh’s fast-growing clean energy market, boosting innovation, job creation, and sustainability across the Asia–Pacific region.
A Coordinated Effort Led by Austrade
Following the finalization of the MoU draft between BSREA and SEC, all arrangements for the signing ceremony in both Dhaka and Canberra were coordinated over the past one and a half months by Austrade offices in Dhaka and Canberra. In Dhaka, Austrade took the lead in hosting the event at the Australian High Commission, inviting senior officials from the Power Division, SREDA, and BSREA. In parallel, Austrade Dhaka worked closely with the Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra, Austrade Canberra, and the Smart Energy Council team to ensure a seamless program on the Australian side. Their dedicated effort and coordination played a pivotal role in making the MoU signing a success.
Leadership Voices
Mr. Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of BSREA, said:
“This partnership is more than an agreement—it is a platform for transformative action. By linking Australian technology and innovation with Bangladesh’s ambitious renewable energy goals, we can create skilled jobs, open new industries, and accelerate our journey towards a cleaner, more resilient future.”
Mr. John Grimes, CEO of the Smart Energy Council, said:
“Bangladesh is one of the most promising clean energy markets in Asia. By working closely with BSREA, we aim to share expertise, align standards, and unlock investment opportunities that will benefit not only our two nations but the entire Asia–Pacific solar industry.”
Event Participation
Dhaka side (Australian High Commission, Dhaka)
• H.E. Susan Jane Ryle, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh
• Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission in Bangladesh
• Joshua Gacutan, Second Secretary, Economic, Australian High Commission
• Ben Carson, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade
• Dr. Ashraful Alam, Member (Joint Secretary), SREDA
• Mr. Md. Mazharul Islam, Senior Assistant Secretary, Power Division
• Abu Sarker, Green Economy – Senior Director, Austrade
• Nathan Davis, Green Economy – Trade Commissioner (South Asia), Austrade
• BSREA Delegation:
1. Mostafa Al Mahmud, President – BSREA
2. Zahidul Alam, Senior Vice President – BSREA
3. Eng. SK Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Vice President – BSREA
4. Engr. Md Ataur Rahman Sarker – Rojel, General Secretary – BSREA
5. Nitai Pada Saha, Director Finance – BSREA
6. Advocate A.S.M Munir, Company Secretary – BSREA
Australia side (joining virtually)
• H.E. F. M. Borhan Uddin, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Australia
• Mr. John Grimes, CEO, Smart Energy Council
• Scott Hamilton, Senior Advisor, Smart Energy Council
• Will Carr, Projects & Business Development Manager, Smart Energy Council
• Senior officials, Austrade Canberra
• Smart Energy Council Office, Australia
Background
This MoU builds on sustained dialogue between BSREA and the Smart Energy Council, including high-level engagements between Engr. Md. Ataur Rahman Sarker – Rojel, General Secretary of BSREA, Mr. John Grimes, CEO, and Scott Hamilton, Senior Advisor, Smart Energy Council, at SNEC 2025 in Shanghai and the Global Solar Council meeting. Both organizations reaffirm their commitment to work transparently and inclusively, aligned with Bangladesh’s national renewable energy targets — 20% of the power mix from renewables by 2030 and 30% by 2040.
About the Organizations
Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) – Bangladesh’s leading industry body for renewable energy, uniting private sector actors, innovators, and policy advocates to accelerate the clean energy transition.
Smart Energy Council (SEC) – Australia’s peak body for solar, storage, and smart energy solutions, representing a diverse membership base across technology, policy, and project development, with a strong focus on innovation, standards, and industry growth.
