PaCT organizes Solar PV and LED Lighting Workshop

Bangladesh’s RMG industry has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 743%¹ over the last three decades, and is continuing to grow with a vision to become a US$ 50 billion industry by 2021. To achieve this goal the sector needs to adopt sustainable practices, particularly efficient use of resources- water, energy, and chemicals.

In light of the growing demand for resource efficient practices in the sector, PaCT organized a workshop on Solar PV and LED Lighting in May for the textile and garment sector, in collaboration with the Textile Technology Business Center (TTBC), Deloitte and General Electric. The aim of the workshop was to present a strong business case for Solar PV and LED Lights as ‘Green Lighting Options’, and to showcase the opportunities for these technologies in the textile and garment sector.

“With the rising cost of energy, the growth trajectory of Bangladesh textile industry can only be sustained by investing in smart technologies like Solar PV and LED Lighting in factories and nearby communities. IFC Bangladesh is committed to the development goals of the industry and will extend support through capacity and business development through the PaCT program,” said Wendy Werner, IFC Bangladesh Country Manager. Md. Siddiqur Rahman, President, BGMEA, Faruque Hassan, Senior Vice President, BGMEA, speakers from GE, Deloitte, IDLC, SREDA and other industry experts also spoke at the event.

The workshop featured a panel discussion on ‘Textile Sector Vision on Clean Technology and Experience’. Discussions revolved around critical issues, including ‘How LED lighting can minimize errors in shades’, ‘Pre-requisites for the installation of solar PV system in textile factories’, and ‘Incentives from the government on renewable energy’. The workshop, which was attended by 90 plus participants, was well received. Participants suggested that similar workshops be organized on topics related to the textile and RMG sector, in the future.

¹ – Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers Exporters Association (BGMEA)