DHAKA: The University of Dhaka also came up with some innovative initiatives to tide the country over the crippling power and energy crunches.

Under the new venture, the university would establish a particular department and an institute for carrying out researches and developing expertise in related fields. These are for inventing newer technologies to get rid of the crises, said competent sources.

The DU Academic Council Wednesday decided to establish two more departments- Nuclear Engineering, and Films and Television- apart from upgrading the Renewable Energy Research Center to Renewable Energy Research Institute.

To create homegrown expertise for handling nuclear power plants and managing nuclear reactor, the varsity is set to provide MSc degree in Nuclear Engineering under the Engineering and Technology Faculty.

Authorities are also going to upgrade its Renewable Energy Research Center to Renewable Energy Research Institute and provide master’s degree for inventing new sources of renewable energy.

It was also noted that the government has already taken initiative to set up nuclear power stations with the assistance of Russia. Bangladesh has signed accord with Russia in establishing two nuclear power plants of 1000MW capacity each at Ruppur. According to the accord, Russia will provide technical support but they will have to be paid a huge amount.

On this score, Dean of the Engineering and Technology Faculty Professor Dr Shahida Rafique told banglanews24.com.bd, “It is not viable to run nuclear plants by hiring foreign experts. We have to generate local expertise and through that our country will reach the class-one level in the world.”

She also said the MSc in Nuclear Engineering would be an international-standard degree. The master’s degree holders would be able to handle nuclear reactor, and it would not only reduce the expenditure but also cut down the foreign dependency in the sector.

Terming nuclear power ‘best alternative’ in solving electricity crisis, she claimed the department would also play a key role in manufacturing fertilizer and nuclear medicine.

Besides, the Renewable Energy Research Center, established in 1981, will be upgraded to an institute.

Regarding the Center, Director of the center Professor Dr Rezaul Karim Majumder told banglanews24.com.bd, “The decision would ensure infrastructural development of the center, help work through foreign collaboration and create research fund.”

Replying to a question, he said the institution would provide policy support to the government, if sought. Renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy, could be the potential sources for Bangladesh in solving the country’s energy crisis.

Dhaka University Vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddque told banglanews24.com.bd that they have taken the decision considering the power shortage in the country.

“The initiatives will help create skilled manpower to deal with the nuclear and renewable power plants,” he added.

BDST: 1725 HRS, AUGUST 27, 2010.