In a significant move for Bangladesh’s sustainable energy landscape, AKH Fashion Ltd. has commissioned a 500kWp rooftop solar system at its factory. This project aligns with the nation’s ambitious goal to generate 4.1GW from renewable sources by 2030 and provides a powerful clean energy model for the country’s nearly 7,000 textile factories seeking alternatives to an often-strained power grid.
Rooftop solar installation: 500kWp Remarkable Project by AKH Fashion
The system was officially inaugurated on October 7, 2024, through a landmark collaboration with the Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO). The event brought together key industry leaders, including engineer Md. Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin), managing director of AKH Fashion, and Md. Moin Uddin, managing director of DESCO, to celebrate this joint public-private initiative driving industrial renewable energy adoption.
Md. Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin), who also serves as President of the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF) and is a former President of the FBCCI, emphasized the project’s dual benefits. “This system will save 600,000 units of electricity annually, which not only reduces our carbon footprint but also contributes valuable power back to the national grid,” he stated. This highlights a strategic step towards energy self-sufficiency and environmental responsibility.
Setting a Precedent for the Garment Industry
AKH Fashion’s initiative sets a crucial precedent within Bangladesh’s vital garment sector. As global brands and consumers increasingly demand sustainable supply chains, this move demonstrates a tangible commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing. This trend is not isolated; major companies worldwide, from large airports like those in Dubai to prominent retail giants, are leveraging rooftop space for clean power generation.
The successful implementation was managed by Akij Tech, which provided a comprehensive solution encompassing design, supply, installation, testing, and ongoing maintenance. This end-to-end approach ensures the long-term viability and performance of the solar installation, a critical factor for industrial-scale projects.
Key Endorsements and Broader Implications
At the launch ceremony, DESCO’s Md. Moin Uddin lauded the project, reinforcing the importance of renewable energy for securing a sustainable industrial future for Bangladesh. The collaboration underscores the government’s support for such initiatives, which are vital for meeting national climate goals and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s (BGMEA) vision for greener factories.
The adoption of rooftop solar systems provides numerous advantages for industrial facilities, including reduced operational costs, enhanced energy security against grid instability, and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Similar successful projects, like a photovoltaic system in Boksburg and a 3.5 MW system in Sydney, illustrate the global momentum and proven benefits of commercial solar installations.
Sources
- Vienna GeoData Service
- Digital Hacks, Creativity Shacks, and Academic Menace
- Target Market Analysis Bangladesh
- Solar EPC Company Profile Overview | PDF
- Vikash Kumar: Rail Land Development Authority | PDF
