Saving electricity more important than producing it: Experts

Saving a unit of electricity through efficient use is more important than generating a unit, said local and international energy experts. 

Energy efficiency also saves the environment by reducing the usage of primary fuels, and lowers energy costs for consumers through a reduction in total energy consumption. 

Therefore, most countries are now working on the efficient use of energy at their respective ends, they added. 

The experts made the observations on the opening day of the two-day "International Conference on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Awareness" held at a city hotel on Monday. 

Around 400 people along with 20 experts from Japan, China, Vietnam, India, Germany, Croatia and Nepal are participating in the conference.

The conference has been organised by the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority in collaboration with the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (REEEP - II).

German International Cooperation is implementing REEEP - II in collaboration with the energy development authority.

The state minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid, inaugurated the conference as chief guest, while Md Helal Uddin, the chairman of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority presided over the inauguration ceremony.

Nasrul Hamid said, "Generating electricity and distributing it at the local level won't be sustainable if we are not aware of energy efficiency and conservation."

"As energy resources are limited, everyone needs to be more careful and responsible while using electricity for the broader interest of the nation," he added. 

He urged everyone to use energy prudently at their homes and at the community level. 

Senior Secretary to the Power Division Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Charge the Affaire of the Germany Embassy in Dhaka Burkhard Ducoffre, and Director Nawa Raj Dhakal of the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre in Nepal were present at the event as special guests.  

Two sessions were held prior to the official inauguration of the conference. These two sessions were styled "National Energy Efficiency Awareness Campaign", and "Country Specific Energy Efficiency & Conservation Awareness: Success Factors and Challenges."

Panelists in the sessions said every country is now focusing on energy efficiency, but completing the task is a major challenge. 

The foreign delegates present at the event shared the initiatives they have taken in their respective countries for raising public awareness about energy conservation. 

They also claimed that the government's subsidy on energy is destroying the energy efficiency programme.

They also said that subsidies should be policy-driven, and dedicated institutions are needed to regulate the progress in efficiency.

Experts also agreed on showcasing success stories of efficient industries to influence other industries.

Four sessions are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, the closing day of the conference.