Energy-efficient fans could cut peak demand by 2,590MW: IEEFA

Replacing conventional household ceiling fans with energy-efficient models could reduce Bangladesh's peak summer power demand by up to 2,590 megawatts (MW) and save more than $4 billion in future investment in fossil-fuel infrastructure, according to a new study.

The study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) estimates that household cooling currently accounts for 3,362MW to 5,212MW of peak power demand, with the highest consumption occurring in the evening.

Despite their potential, highly efficient Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) fans account for less than 2 per cent of the country's existing residential fan stock.

The study surveyed 435 households in 26 of the country's 64 districts, selected across predefined income groups, to assess fan-use patterns and energy consumption.

It found that fewer than 2 per cent of surveyed households use energy-efficient 35-watt BLDC fans, compared with conventional fans that typically consume 70 watts.

Replacing conventional fans with BLDC models could cut annual electricity consumption by 6,913 gigawatt-hours (GWh), saving an estimated Tk 8,987 crore ($730 million) in electricity costs each year.

The transition could also avert more than $4 billion (Tk49,160 crore) in investment in new coal-fired power plants by reducing the need for additional generation capacity.

The findings come as Bangladesh's import-dependent power sector faces mounting pressure from rising summer demand, which has exceeded 19,000MW, alongside persistent load-shedding and grid constraints.

The study estimates annual electricity consumption by household fans at 13,916GWh, while the draft Bangladesh National Cooling Plan projects total cooling-related consumption of 22,174GWh in 2035.