Dhaka: Experts at a recent discussion highlighted the necessity for a specific government policy or action plan focusing on energy efficiency and conservation to ensure future energy security. Although an ‘Energy Efficiency and Conservation Master Plan’ was formulated in 2016, and an ‘Integrated Energy and Power Sector Master Plan’ was developed in 2023, there remains an absence of a targeted policy exclusively addressing energy efficiency.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the discussion, titled “Energy Efficiency in the Industrial Sector of Bangladesh,” was held at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) auditorium, organized jointly by DCCI and the South Asia Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM). Mohammad Wahid Hossain, Chairman of Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC), emphasized the gap in disseminating energy-related information, which often leaves the private sector unaware of available government services and initiatives.
Hossain urged the private sector to invest in energy-related research, which could leverage new technologies, enhance consumer awareness, and facilitate the formulation of a sustainable, business-friendly energy plan. He noted that saving energy can be more cost-effective than generating it, citing that the cost of saving one megawatt of power could generate almost two megawatts.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed stressed the need for a cultural shift towards energy efficiency and highlighted the pressures faced by the private sector due to geopolitical factors and inconsistent energy supplies. Ahmed called for regular energy audits in industrial units and involvement of academia in industry-specific research and mapping.
Executive Director of SANEM, Dr. Selim Raihan, pointed out definitional and conceptual disparities regarding energy efficiency across sectors and called for an assessment of the effectiveness of existing initiatives and incentives. He emphasized the importance of technological advancements to overcome the significant barriers in energy resource extraction and supply.
During the event, SANEM presented findings on the state of energy efficiency, emphasizing the impact of interrupted energy supply on overall efficiency. Former DCCI president Asif Ibrahim highlighted the adverse effects of energy shortages on SMEs and called for reduced import duties on machinery to boost renewable energy capacity.
Additional Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Md. Rafiqul Alam, indicated the government’s plans for 100 gas well explorations by 2030 and invited private sector involvement in research and development financing. He underscored the importance of adopting technology to achieve energy efficiency and save power.
Joint Secretary of the Power Division, Md. Jahidul Islam, noted the growing energy consumption by the industrial sector and its expected rise by 2050. He advocated for implementing energy efficiency measures to extend resources to more people.
Petrobangla’s General Manager, Md. Imam Uddin Sheikh, discussed the country’s gas demand and supply challenges and suggested that industries locate within designated zones to facilitate efficient energy distribution. He reiterated the government’s priority to supply power and energy to industries.
The event also saw participation from DCCI Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman and other board members.