BRAC University launches Centre for Energy and Logistics

BRAC University has launched an interdisciplinary platform titled “Centre for Energy and Logistics” (CEL), focusing on education, research, innovation, policy engagement and capacity building in the energy and logistics sectors.

CEL’s work focuses on three major areas: logistics, energy, and the interface between the two, according to the brochure of the centre.

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CEL leverages the strengths of BRAC, a global development organisation, and BRAC University, a private research university, and benefits from the collaboration with its affiliate institutes and schools, the brochure reads.

The CEL aims to address challenges linked to the global energy transition, climate change, digitalisation and changing trade patterns, particularly in the context of Bangladesh’s rapid industrialisation, urbanisation and economic growth.

CEL’s vision is to become a centre of excellence in energy and logistics for the Global South. Its work will focus on advancing knowledge and supporting evidence-based decision-making in energy and logistics systems, according to the brochure.

In energy, it will work on renewable energy, energy security, energy markets, energy finance, energy efficiency, climate policy and regional energy systems.

It will also examine issues connecting the two sectors, including decarbonisation, green ports, alternative fuels, battery value chains, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, climate-resilient infrastructure and supply-chain resilience.

Guided by a multi-stakeholder advisory council, CEL will provide academic programmes, executive education, professional training, knowledge-sharing events, interdisciplinary research and advisory services.

Sultan Hafeez Rahman is the centre’s chairperson, while economist, educator and public policy leader Prof M Fouzul Kabir Khan, a former adviser to the interim government, serves as its director.

The centre has also brought together a group of fellows and experts from academia, government, industry, engineering, finance, energy, and transportation, and has already begun organising seminars on energy and power-sector issues.