The textile industry is one of the most complicated manufacturing industries because it is a fragmented and heterogeneous sector dominated by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Energy plays a great part in the overall scenario of the textile industry, as it is one of the main cost factors.
Energy cost in a textile industry accounts for 5-17% of the total production cost, which includes electrical and thermal energy. Scope for energy conservation/energy optimisation is normally around 15%. During times of high energy price volatility, it really becomes imperative for the textile units to improve energy efficiency to remain competitive and help in overall development of the nation where they are situated.
Studies and findings indicate at numerous energy-efficiency opportunities that exist in every textile plant, many of which cost-effective option and easy to implement. Despite the immense potential for energy conservation, even the cost-effective options are not often implemented in textile plants primarily due to lack of adequate information on the subject, especially given the fact that a majority of textile plants are categorised as SMEs with limited resources. There are several other challenges & hurdles in the way of energy optimisation in textile industry such as:
There are several other challenges & hurdles in the way of energy optimisation in textile industry such as:
- Lack of technical skill  Rigid mindset for
-  Rigid mindset for adoption of energy efficient practices  Many investments in energy efficiency could not be implemented despite their apparent
- Â Many investments in energy efficiency could not be implemented despite their apparent profitability due to internal issues
In spite of all the challenges, if proper synergy is established between all the stakeholders (i.e. technical staff, top management, suppliers, brands, consultants, etc) it is possible to achieve energy savings from 15-20% of the energy consumption even by no-cost or low-cost energy optimisation measures. PaCT (Partnership for cleaner text) implemented by IFC (International finance corporation) is one such classic example that has reaped significant benefits to the textile mill owners. DESL has been involved with the PaCT program and has witnessed significant benefits of energy optimisation measures in the textile industry in Bangladesh.
It, therefore, becomes imperative that know-how on energy-efficiency technologies and practices be prepared and disseminated to textile plants. Alongside, the policy and regulatory measures coupled with incentive programs will help in encouraging investment in energy conservation measures in the textile industry.
