United Power Generation & Distribution Company Ltd. wins at the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2025

Its award-winning Eco-friendly Steam initiative converted waste heat into industrial-grade steam.

United Power Generation & Distribution Company Ltd. (UPGDCL) received the Bangladesh Operational Innovation of the Year - Energy award at the Asian Innovation Excellence Awards 2025 for its groundbreaking Eco-friendly Steam Initiative, a project redefining industrial energy efficiency in Bangladesh.

The initiative transforms waste heat from natural gas-powered generation into industrial-grade steam, creating a sustainable and commercially viable alternative to conventional fuel systems. Introduced in 2014, this innovation now serves export-oriented industries across the Dhaka and Chattogram Export Processing Zones (EPZs), delivering measurable economic and environmental benefits.

By converting waste heat into usable steam, the system eliminates the need for additional fuel combustion, reducing both production costs and greenhouse gas emissions. To date, UPGDCL generated over 294 million kilogrammes of steam, preventing nearly 50,000 tons of CO₂ emissions that diesel-fired systems would otherwise release.

At the core of the operation lies a closed-loop waste heat recovery network, integrating high-efficiency boilers, automated water treatment, insulated pipelines, and continuous digital monitoring to ensure consistent performance. The result is steam delivered at a cost up to two and a half times lower than diesel, LPG, or natural gas alternatives.

Production grew from less than 1 million kilogrammes in 2014 to over 123 million kilogrammes in 2024, supported by long-term partnerships with Pacific Jeans, Global Labels, and other leading manufacturers. These collaborations enable factories to avoid capital investment in boilers whilst achieving higher efficiency in dyeing and finishing processes.

Since operations began in 2009, export growth in EPZs rose by 263%, with industrial investment increasing by 81%, reflecting the broader impact of sustainable energy innovation. UPGDCL aims to expand its capacity from 51,480 kilogrammes per hour to 100,000 kilogrammes per hour and to introduce high-pressure steam for advanced industrial use.

The Asian Innovation Excellence Awards recognise organisations that achieve measurable impact through creativity, operational improvement, and sustainable development — honouring initiatives that drive progress across industries and economies in the region.

The Asian Innovation Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review. To view the full list of winners, click here. For more information on the awards programme, you may contact Julie Anne Nuñez-Difuntorum at (+65) 3158 1386 ext 242 or at [email protected].