A comprehensive investigation of energy management practices within energy intensive industries in Bangladesh

Abstract

Industrial energy efficiency is acknowledged as a cost-effective mean contributing to sustainable development and industrial competitiveness. Implementing energy management practices becomes even more imperative for developing countries, considering their energy usage trends and economic development forecasts. Based on the circumstances, an empirical investigation is conducted on energy efficiency and management practices, as well as barriers and drivers to energy efficiency in the energyintensive industries of Bangladesh. The study finds that majority of the companies barely implement the energy management practices. Energy audits represent the mostly implemented energy management practice at the industries, though a comprehensive approach on a detailed level is still lacking. In addition, this study finds that the number of dedicated and specialised energy professionals employed in the industries is yet negligible. The cumulated results show that energy efficiency is mostly disrupted due to inadequate support from preeminent administration and bureaucratic intricacy. Energy blueprint cost-saving due to less use of energy and rules and regulations were distinctively signified as most imperative drivers for energy efficiency. On the other hand, lack of information is found to be the most significant barrier to consult energy service companies. Analysis of the country's energy usage and supply-demand relationship points towards insufficient energy efficiency measures and energy management practices in the country. The study also finds that energy efficiency could be improved by 8% to 10% through the practice of energy management. Our findings, besides pointing out specific issues to be tackled in the specific context of investigation, pave the way for further research over industrial energy efficiency in developing countries.

Comparative Analysis of Oil and Gas Legal Frameworks in Bangladesh and Nigeria: A Pathway towards Achieving Sustainable Energy through Policy

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“…The regulatory framework ensures that exploration and production activities are conducted safely and sustainably while promoting sector investment. However, the lack of technical knowledge and financial resources poses a significant challenge to developing and extracting oil and gas in Bangladesh [90]. The legal framework governing oil and gas exploration and production in Bangladesh allows for partnerships between the government and international oil companies, particularly in offshore areas, to facilitate sufficient exploration and production.…”

Options for demand side management in biofuel production: A systematic review

“…Ates et al, 30 categorized the steel, paper, cement, and ceramics industry as suitable for DSM practices and highlighted bottlenecks of these heavy industries with help of questionnaires and an analytical framework. Hasan et al, 47 state that DSM practices are especially important in developing countries. Barriers and drivers are identified for energy intensive industries like cement, paper, and waste water treatment in Bangladesh.…”

Analysis of Synergistic Effect of Energy Efficiency Improvement and Vocational Competence Development

“…In today's world, the issue of energy has become one of the focuses of attention of the international community. The world's energy demand is trending upward due to the expansion of the global population and the quickening of industrialization (Hasan et al, 2021). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data show that the global annual growth rate of energy demand is about 1%, and it is expected that in the next few decades, this growth trend will continue to continue.…”