BGMEA, Bidec join hands to cut garment factories' power use
Field trials across 42 garment factories found electricity savings of up to nearly 65%, with the initiative also expected to lower operating costs and support the sector’s decarbonisation.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Industrial Development and Engineering Company (Bidec) have signed an MoU to convert energy-intensive capacitor ceiling fans in garment factories into electricity-saving brushless direct current (BLDC) fans.
The initiative could cut electricity consumption by 40–60% per fan, while field trials at more than 42 BGMEA member factories showed savings of 47% to nearly 65%, according to BGMEA, according to a press release today (20 August).
The MoU was signed at BGMEA's Uttara office yesterday by BGMEA Vice-President Vidya Amrit Khan and Bidec Founder and CEO Kazi Mohammad Ibrahim.
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Under the agreement, Bidec will use its patented "Micro Sustainable Upcycling" technology to convert existing capacitor fans into modern BLDC fans instead of replacing them. BGMEA members will receive special discounts and can use a one-time unique code provided by the association.
Each upcycled fan will come with a five-year after-sales guarantee. Depending on electricity consumption and operating hours, factories are expected to recover their investment within one and a half to two years.
Khan said the successful trials demonstrated that local innovation could help address major challenges facing the industry.
"The success achieved in 42 factories has confirmed that this upcycling technology offers BGMEA members a major opportunity to reduce operating and electricity costs," she said.
BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury said energy efficiency was now essential for both environmental protection and business competitiveness.
"If our local technology can save more than 50% of electricity and energy and recover its cost within one and a half to two years, it is a highly attractive solution for entrepreneurs," he said.
He said widespread adoption could also reduce pressure on the national power grid.
The initiative is expected to support the sector's decarbonisation, help meet international buyers' sustainability requirements and prepare factories for upcoming European Union environmental and supply-chain due diligence rules.
It is also expected to support the sector's adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, reduce operating costs, strengthen energy security and contribute to Bangladesh's green growth.
