BGMEA, Sreda sign agreement on sustainable energy for industries 

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Power Division will work together to ensure sustainable energy and energy efficiency in the industrial sector.  

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Sreda) under the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources and the BGMEA Thursday.

Under the MoU, there will be campaigns to raise awareness among the BGMEA members on energy conservation.

The agreement will cover capacity building of the apparel factories on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Garment manufacturers will be motivated to install rooftop solar panels on their factories and will be provided with the necessary information to achieve a green revolution.

Joint ventures will be taken up to facilitate low-cost loans for readymade garments and accelerate progress of the fast-moving industries towards sustainability.

Sreda Secretary Niaz Rahman and BGMEA Secretary Commodore (Retd) Mohammad Abdur Razzak signed the MoU on behalf of their organisations.

As the chief guest at the programme, Prime Minister's Energy Adviser Dr Towfique-e-Elahi Chowdhury said, "Our energy sector will be benefited if we can exchange experiences and technologies with the developed nations."

Emphasising energy conservation, he said the net metering system – a policy mechanism that allows prosumers to connect their renewable energy systems to the distribution grid – would give a relief to businessmen on power bills.

Speaking as the special guest, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said the government is encouraging the expansion of renewable energy.

"Strategic plans, laws and regulations are making a significant contribution to the development of the energy system," he added.

The state minister said 48% of the total fuel is used by the industrial sector, and the use by the textile and readymade accounts for 30% of the industrial use.

"If the textile and readymade garments sector uses advanced energy efficient technology, it will require 17.6% less fuel – the savings are huge," he noted.

BGMEA President Rubana Huq said, "We are moving towards a future where sustainability will be at the centre-point of any business. And there is no doubt that energy conservation will be at the heart of such development."

For a green revolution, all factories must be made green, she noted. To do so, Rubana said there should be coordination among banks, financial institutions and industries.

PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus, Sreda Chairman Mohammad Alauddin and GIZ Country Director Angelika Fleddermann joined the programme virtually.