GIZ Improved Rice Parboiling System (IRPS) at M/S Subodh Husking Complex, Patkelghata, Tala, Satkhira

18 September 2017
GIZ Improved Rice Parboiling System (IRPS) at M/S Subodh Husking Complex, Patkelghata, Tala, Satkhira

80-90% of the rice harvest in Bangladesh is cooked in small or medium-sized rice parboiling systems at the rice mills with only 15-30% fuel efficiency. Almost 50000 inefficient, polluting and unsafe traditional rice parboiling systems exist in Bangladesh.; GIZ Bangladesh has successfully developed the Improved Rice Parboiling System (IRPS) model with up to 54% fuel efficiency.

Using GIZ energy efficient system, not only is the overall efficiency is doubled, but huge pollution is also mitigated in the safest way of operation. This results in saving 50% more rice husk, a major source of biomass in the country.

The improved parboiling systems also have longer working life compared to the traditional ones. Although the new system is visibly slightly more expensive, but this investment could be recovered in less than 2 years from the fuel (rice husk) savings. As of now GIZ developed IRPS has been installed in 70 Rice Mills including 15 pilot projects in 12 rice mill clusters. Capacity building of 15 service providers is also supported by GIZ to promote business uptake.

“While previously 169 kgs of rice husk was needed, after installing IRPS, it only requires 80 kgs to parboil one tonne of rice. It is really saving money for my business. The female workers are much more comfortable to work in the mill now. Since there is no smoke, Drumstick is growing and more flowers are blooming on Mango trees!”

Mr. Pronoy has been using IRPS in his mill since March 2015. He spoke during a meeting on IRPS, its benefits and the way forward. He is also General Secretary of the Satkhira wing of Bangladesh Rice Mill Owners Association.

About Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (REEEP)
To assure continuous development, Bangladesh needs sustainable energy solution. The programme focuses on clean and affordable renewable energy solutions to the rural areas and urgently needed local communities. REEEP promotes the sustainable supply and consumption of energy in order to ensure energy security, reduced emissions and improved livelihoods throughout the country. To achieve this target, REEEP involves local partners from the financial and private sectors, non-government organisations and rural communities. REEEP works closely with the Government of Bangladesh to improve the legal and institutional framework of the energy sector.

Learn more about the Programme here.