Companies to adopt solutions with own funds

Experts at a programme Thursday underscored the need for efficient management of energy consumption in both industries and homes aiming to reduce carbon-dioxide emission, minimize energy-costs and ensure sustainable growth.

They were speaking at the launching ceremony of "Energy Efficiency Engagement (3E)" programme of Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Bangladesh (NCCI) at a city hotel.

In collaboration with Danida, Danish international development agency, through Danish Embassy in Dhaka, NCCI launched the 3E programme.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) governor Dr Atiur Rahman was the chief guest at the launching ceremony.

The function was addressed, among others, by Danish Ambassador Hanne Fugl Eskjaer, head of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and Engineering Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Dr. M. Tamim, ABB country manager Rajarshi Banerjee and NCCI President Shamim Ul Huq.

Danida Senior Adviser Stephan Skare Enevoldsen made a presentation on "Nordic Perspectives on Green Industrial Growth and Introduction to the 3E programme."

Main objective of the programme is to promote adoption of Danish model in energy efficient practices and technology in Bangladeshi industries, facilitating significantly reduction of costs and energy intensity.

To achieve the purpose, officials said, around 50 companies in selected industrial sectors will be offered opportunity to get energy assessment of their production facilities by certified consultants at free of charge.

Then, the 3E will identify and recommend potential technological solutions for the respective companies. The companies will be required to adopt the solutions with their own funds.

The 3E experts will also suggest the vendors having quality technological solutions to supply.

The three-year programme will serve only the industries; however, after its successful completion, they will think over efficient management of energy consumption at homes, officials said.

Under programme, an Energy Efficiency Secretariat will be set up at the NCCI that will also develop and maintain a knowledge hub on energy efficiency and green technology.

Appreciating the NCCI and Danida for the programme and establishing the 'much-awaited' secretariat towards green transformation and green growth, Dr Rahman underlined the need for green initiative for sustainable economic growth.

"Green banking is a catalyst for green growth," he said, adding that most of the lenders are not familiar with energy efficiency technology and approaches and require technical support to appraise and manage loans for energy efficiency projects.

Citing the more than 6 per cent GDP growth over the last 10 years, he said. "To continue the growth momentum, it has been estimated that energy consumption should grow at the rate of at least 10 per cent."

Danish Ambassador said, "The reason for developing this Engagement is the great potential to support the growth of Bangladesh industries in a sustainable way while at the same time increasing the activities in Bangladesh by Danish and Nordic companies."

Elaborating the Danish expertise in the sector, Mr Huq said that energy efficiency is a key for Denmark's green growth. From 1990, Denmark saw a 40 per cent increase in GDP while achieving a 6 per cent reduction in gross energy consumption.

In 2013 electricity production in Denmark from renewable energy plants accounted for 46.7 per cent of domestic electricity supply, he said.

Dr. M. Tamim emphasised on giving attention to efficient management of energy consumption at homes too saying that it accounts for 53 per cent of the total energy consumption in the country.

In the industrial sector, the textile, RMG and fertilize factories consume majority of the energy, he said and stressed on working on these areas.

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