Using energy efficient tech in RMG sector stressed
Energy efficiency is also one of the proven and important levers to enhance business competitiveness, they said
The readymade garment (RMG) and textile industries in the country together can save 1,159 kilotonnes of oil equivalent (KTOE) energy per year by using energy-efficient machinery and implementing conservation measures, said experts at a webinar on Saturday.
They observed that energy efficiency is also one of the proven and important levers to enhance business competitiveness.
The webinar entitled "Working Group Concept to Promote Energy Efficiency in Garment & Textile Industries" was organised by Energy & Power magazine in cooperation with Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) and German development agency GIZ.
In his keynote presentation, Shafiqul Alam¸ senior advisor to THE GIZ, said readymade garment and textile industries together consume 3,740 KTOE of energy annually, which is one-third of industrial energy demand.
"The apparel sector has an opportunity to save 1,159 KTOE through energy efficiency and conservation measures," he maintained.
Despite the multitude of benefits that energy efficiency (EE) offers, implementation of EE at the industry level is often plagued with numerous challenges that include technical gaps, a lack of investment priority, and communication among various departments of an industry.
Md Habibur Rahman, secretary to the Power Division, addressed the webinar as the chief guest, while Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) attended it as a special guest.
Md Habibur Rahman said, "At the end of the day we have to survive with competitiveness. We can't survive amid this competitiveness if we don't ensure energy efficiency.
Therefore, efficient use of energy and keeping the cost lower is very important."
Faruque Hassan said the BGMEA as the apex body of the industry is committed to reducing carbon emissions.
"Currently, Bangladesh has 8 out of the world's top 10 green factories. But our industry has to invest more in renewable and energy efficiency," he added.
Mollah Amzad Hossain, editor of Energy & Power magazine moderated the webinar.
Among others, energy expert Dr Ijaz Hossain, Sreda Chairman Mohammad Alauddin also spoke at the programme.
