Set minimum standard for power consuming equipment
Energy experts tell The Daily Star Leadership Colloquium
Dr Mehdi Anwar, professor at electrical and computer engineering department, University of Connecticut, speaks at The Daily Star Leadership Colloquium on Alternative Energy and New Technology at The Daily Star auditorium in the city yesterday. On his right are Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, a fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue; Dr Saifur Rahman, director of Advanced Research Institute, Virginia Tech; and Farooque Muhammad, senior vice-president of Fuel Cell Energy Inc, USA. On his left is Ahmed Badruzzaman of Chevron Energy Technology Co. Photo:Shawkat Jamil
Global and local energy experts yesterday suggested that the government set the national standard for the gadgets and utilities that consume power, and put in place an auditing system to improve energy efficiency. They have also recommended for providing incentives to increase energy efficiency and help reduce its costs. Creating mass awareness and educating users through the media is vital in this regard, they observed. The suggestions came at a leadership colloquium on “Alternative Energy and New Technology” organised by The Daily Star at its premises. The event aimed at creating awareness on importance of energy for a sustainable growth of the country. “Everything sold in the US has an efficiency rating. Bangladesh should also develop a minimum standard for items such as bulb, refrigerator, air-conditioner etc,” said Mohammad Farooque, senior vice-president of FuelCell Energy, a US-based company that produces highly efficient and pollution-free power. “Those who use power efficiently get a 30 percent rebate in utility bills,” he said sharing how the US promotes energy efficiency. Developed countries also encourage roof gardening, known as green roof solution, and energy-efficient building that ultimately help energy conservation, he said. Farroque said gardening on the roofs of 30 percent buildings in a city can reduce temperature by 2 degree Celsius. Researches found that using CFLs instead of incandescent bulbs can save about 50 percent lighting costs. CFLs use only one-fourth the energy and last up to 10 times longer. Ahmed Badruzzaman, senior staff research scientist and nuclear R&D leader of Chevron Energy Technology Company, USA, said Bangladesh should find ways to use biogas along with other sources of power. On Bangladesh's renewable energy policy, he said some 450 people are needed to implement it, which is impractical. Syed Yusuf Hossain, chairman of energy regulatory commission of Bangladesh, said any policy must be effective. Power Development Board Director (planning) Mizanur Rahman thinks enhanced monitoring can ensure efficient use of power. He said the government is working to formulate an energy conservation act. “The draft has already been prepared,” he added. Tauhidul Islam, managing director of Summit Power, and officials of renewable energy companies in Bangladesh, among others, attended the colloquium.
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