Seminar on captive power generation for industries held at BUET

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) successfully hosted a "Captive Power Generation for Industries in Bangladesh – overview and recommendations" seminar at the Council Building, BUET Campus.

Organised by the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IESD), the seminar brought together distinguished experts, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore findings and recommendations on improving energy efficiency in the industrial sector through captive power solutions.

Professor Dr Md. Ali Ahammad Shoukat Choudhury, Director of IESD, BUET, presided over the seminar, which featured Mr Jalal Ahmed, Honourable Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), as the Chief Guest. Professor Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Honourable Pro-Vice Chancellor of BUET, joined the occasion as the Special Guest.

The keynote address, delivered by Dr  Aman Uddin, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, BUET, presented the findings of a comprehensive study on Captive Power Plants (CPPs) in Bangladesh. The research explored the performance of CPPs across various industrial sectors,highlighting operational inefficiencies, opportunities for waste heat recovery, and challenges in synchronisation with the national grid. The study initiated the seminar and identified efficiency improvements of CPPs, economic and environmental benefits resulting from replacing inefficient generators and optimising heat recovery, power quality of the national grid impacting industrial losses, and the opportunity to synchronise CPPs with the national grid. The study suggests- that replacing inefficient generators and using exhaust and hot water heat recovery systems could result in significant annual gas savings. Estimated potential savings of approximately 42.24 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas annually along with ample reduction of CO2 showcasing both economic and environmental benefits.

During the panel discussion, moderated by Professor Dr Md. Ziaur Rahman Khan, participants highlighted CPPs' role in ensuring energy security, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Prominent business leaders, including Mr Anis Ud Doula- Chairman of ACI Group; Representatives from BTMA, Mr Mosharaf Hossain, Chairman & Managing Director of Mosharaf Group; Mr Masud Rana- Managing Director of Asia Composite Mills Ltd.; and Mr Azizur R. Chowdhury- Managing Director of JM Fabrics Ltd., along with representatives from leading industries such as RMG, steel, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cement, shared their insights and concerns during the seminar. They urged for an uninterrupted supply of gas and electricity to run the factories more effectively and continue the industrial growth in Bangladesh.

They emphasised the pivotal role of captive power plants in ensuring higher operational efficiency (up to 80%) compared to the national grid. However, they also highlighted improving the national grid's infrastructure, especially the distribution system, to enhance power quality. Eventually, this will help for better synchronisation of grid power and CPP, resulting in the best possible energy efficiency achievement.

Professor Dr  Ali Ahammad Shoukat Choudhury urged collaboration to implement these recommendations for sustainable industrial growth.