Wind power: Next big leap to energy security

Wind power, with its immense potential for generating renewable energy, has recently emerged as a viable option for Bangladesh courtesy of a major offshore project. This ambitious initiative that came up at the COP28 is a collaborative effort between prominent fashion groups Bestseller and H&M and local partner Summit Power. Although wind power is not yet a top priority in the country's energy policy, this project, still in its early stages, aims to make a substantial impact in terms of sustainable solutions to greenhouse gas emission within the fashion industry's value chain. The project is expected to commence operation in 2028 and, if successful, will not only stabilise the supply of renewable energy to local apparel manufacturers but also contribute to substantial job creation and an annual reduction of approximately 725,000 tons of emissions. Given that over 70 per cent of the fashion industry's emissions originate from upstream power generation using non-renewable sources such as petroleum, gas, oil, and coal, this investment in wind power aligns with the vision of a cleaner and more sustainable future.
The Global Fashion Agenda (GFA) has been advocating for some time the need for collective investment of fashion brands to secure large-scale, cost-effective supply of renewable energy in manufacturing countries. The current initiative is believed to have been inspired by GFA's advocacy. A statement issued in this regard says the project, besides stabilising supply of renewable energy to the local apparel manufacturers of the two global fashion groups, will add the energy generated by wind turbines to the country's electricity grid. With a capacity of around 500 MW, the project is said to align with the country's goal of achieving energy independence from fossil fuels.
Speaking from an overall perspective, wind and solar power demand greater attention. As for wind power, it has been observed that while the initial costs of installation are high, the expenditure on maintenance and production of power is much lower than other sources. Wind is produced as the sun heats the earth unevenly due to the earth's rotation and geographic features. Warm air rises to create low-pressure areas, while cold air sinks to create high-pressure areas. Air molecules typically move from high pressure areas to low ones, creating the phenomenon we experience as wind. Since it does not even burn limited fossil fuels nor decrease the amount of wind, it is considered the cleanest and the best available energy source.
Fashion giants like Bestseller and H&M Group, by actively participating in this venture, are signalling a shift towards greener practices in an industry known for its environmental footprint. The project's commitment to reduce emissions aligns with international climate goals and underscores the potential for cross-sector collaboration to drive positive changes. This initiative not only positions the fashion industry as a responsible player but also sets a precedent for other sectors to explore innovative solutions for reduction of their carbon footprints. In addition to the environmental benefits, the project supports the broader national agenda of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, ensuring energy security, and fostering a resilient and sustainable economy. This holistic approach, integrating environmental and economic considerations, exemplifies the potential for renewable energy initiatives to serve as catalysts for a positive social change and economic development.