Industry leaders push for energy efficiency to ensure future security

Energy experts and industry leaders have called for urgent improvements in energy efficiency across Bangladesh's industrial sector, warning that without swift action, the country's long-term energy security and export competitiveness may weaken further.

The call came at a focus group discussion held today (28 July) at the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), jointly organised with the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (Sanem).

DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed stressed the need for behavioural change across industries to embed energy efficiency. He said many factories face production setbacks due to unstable power supplies and global geopolitical pressures, which are undermining Bangladesh's position in international markets.

He urged factories to conduct regular energy audits and called for stronger ties between academia and industry to drive research and mapping of sectoral needs.

Sanem Executive Director Selim Raihan said that while the government introduced energy master plans in 2016 and 2023, there is still no dedicated policy on energy efficiency. 

He highlighted gaps in definitions and implementation, and called for a review of industrial incentives, greater technological upgrades, and more transparent policymaking.

Sanem also presented findings showing that outdated machinery, weak monitoring tools, and frequent power interruptions continue to hinder productivity and energy savings.

Mohammad Wahid Hossain, chairman of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council, said poor dissemination of government information is preventing industries from accessing available energy support. 

He urged the private sector to fund research into sustainable, technology-driven solutions. Saving one megawatt, he noted, could cost less than producing two.

Former DCCI president and New Age Group vice-chairman Asif Ibrahim said small and medium enterprises are especially vulnerable to energy shortages and complex financing. 

He called for cuts to import duties on energy-efficient and renewable technology to expand industrial capacity, noting that around 250 garment factories have already installed solar panels, showing early success in alternative power use.

Md Rafiqul Alam, additional secretary of the Energy Division, said the government now allows private companies to import LNG and is aiming for 5–10% savings through improved efficiency. 

He also revealed that the government plans to drill 100 new gas wells by 2030 to reduce reliance on imported LNG. However, he admitted that enforcement of energy laws remains inadequate.

Md Jahidul Islam, joint secretary of the Power Division, said 27% of the country's total energy goes to industry, which is expected to rise to 40% by 2050. He said the government will soon revise its energy master plan and urged industries to adopt more efficient machinery.

Petrobangla General Manager Md Imam Uddin Sheikh reported a daily gas shortfall of 900 million cubic feet. He encouraged factories to relocate into industrial zones to make supply and distribution more manageable.

Shamim Ahmed, president of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association, called for LNG import permissions for the private sector, and for an expanded offshore gas exploration strategy. He also urged for a dedicated national energy efficiency policy.

Mansoor Ahmed, senior vice president of BKMEA, said unreliable gas and electricity are threatening industrial output. He said energy efficiency is now a necessity, not an option, and pushed for increased green financing and import diversification.

Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice president of BGMEA, said high energy costs are deterring new industrial investment. In Gazipur, he said factories face six to eight hours of daily load-shedding, increasing operating costs by up to Tk5 lakh and severely disrupting exports.

He said 10% renewable energy adoption could save up to 220 megawatts, but lack of duty relief is hindering solar equipment imports.

DCCI Convener Nurul Aktar called for incentives on energy-efficient imports and duty cuts for battery producers to strengthen energy storage infrastructure