Bangladesh's persistent gas crisis is severely disrupting industrial production, with many plastic factories unable to operate beyond 30-40 per cent of their capacity, BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed said on Tuesday, calling renewable energy the long-term solution to the country's energy challenges.
The Industry sector, including plastic, has been facing a gas and power crisis for a long time. Currently, it is not possible to run the industry at 30/40 per cent capacity. The country cannot run without energy," he said.
Speaking at a seminar on "Renewable Energy: The Future of Sustainable Manufacturing," Shamim Ahmed emphasised that transitioning to renewable energy is essential to resolving the nation's energy crisis.
He urged immediate action to build alternative energy systems for future generations, noting that if solar power can keep even a single machine running, it can spark momentum to keep the rest operational.
The seminar was held at the Conference Room of the BPGMEA office in the capital's Purana Paltan area jointly organised by Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BPGMEA) and STAC Foundation.
The BPGMEA president chaired the event and delivered the welcome address.
Engineer Md. Hasan Mahamud Khan, Renewable Energy Expert & Consultant, presented the Keynote Paper at the seminar.
BPGMEA Senior Vice President K. M. Iqbal Hossain delivered the closing remarks.
BPGMEA Vice President Quazi Anwarul Haque, and former President Shahedul Islam Helal delivered the keynote paper.
Anisur Rahman, Deputy Executive Director, ACI, and Salahuddin Sikder, Manager, RFL Group, participated in the discussion.
Speaking at the function, Shahedul Islam Helal said, "Despite the tax reduction and various incentives provided by the government, we are not getting those benefits due to bureaucratic complications." "We have to use renewable energy at our own capacity. Government incentives should be considered optional."
Engineer Md. Hasan Mahamud Khan presenting the keynote paper said that a solar panel once installed will provide 20 years of service. On the other hand, the inverter provides 10 years of service. Later, these may need to be changed. And the cable line provides 20/25 years of service. Its maintenance cost is very low, so it will be profitable.
Policymakers, industrialists, renewable energy experts, and representatives from manufacturing organizations discussed the transformative role of renewable energy in building a competitive, resilient and environmentally sustainable manufacturing sector in Bangladesh.
The seminar discussed renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency in industry, green finance, policy support, investment opportunities, carbon reduction strategies and practical guidelines to accelerate sustainable manufacturing in Bangladesh.
As industries around the world accelerate their transition to low-carbon manufacturing, renewable energy has become a strategic necessity rather than an option.
