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American Journal of  Environmental
Economics (AJEE) 

A Systematic Review of  Energy Demand, Technology, and Efficiency
Nexus: Implications for Bangladeshi Food Processing Industry

Md. Julhaz Hossain1*, Uzzal Ali Pk2

Volume 2 Issue 1, Year 2023
ISSN: 2833-7905 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajee.v2i1.1376
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajee

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: March 09, 2023
Accepted: April 30, 2023
Published: May 09, 2023

Designing energy efficiency strategies for industries is predicted to be challenging. Energy 
is not always efficiently utilized in energy-intensive industries due to various issues, notably 
technology and equipment. Therefore, through a systematic review, this study aims to 
investigate the relationship between energy demand, technological breakthroughs, and 
efficiencies, with implications for the food processing industry of  Bangladesh. The study 
utilizes the Scopus database to perform a systematic evidence search, screening, and finally 
selection of  articles for literature review between the years 2010 and 2022. From a total of  
1253 initially searched articles, 10 were selected for final review. According to the reviewed 
literature, energy demand in the food processing industry is expected to surge in the 
future, which is influenced by various factors. To tackle the challenges, deploying energy-
saving technologies could be a strategy for energy conservation, enhancing efficiency and 
strengthening organizational growth, profitability and sustainability.

Keywords
Energy Demand, Technology, 
Efficiency, Food Processing 
Industry, Bangladesh

1 AgriBusiness Management Program, Asian Institute of  Technology, Thailand 
2 Department of  Marketing, Govt. Azizul Haque College, Bogura, Bangladesh
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: julhaz7489@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION
Energy is a crucial component in any economic activity, 
and increased energy demand signals economic progress 
if  there is no indication of  energy inefficiency (Anik & 
Rahman, 2021). Global energy demand has doubled in the 
previous five and a half  decades (Kibria, Akhundjanov, & 
Oladi, 2019). Bangladesh, often acclaimed as one of  the 
world’s fastest-growing economies, experiences a rising 
energy demand which has already become a matter of  
concern due to limited supply and sources (Murshed, 
2021). Total energy consumption in Bangladesh has 
experienced a sharp increase from 0.12 quad Btu in 1980 
to 1.835 quad Btu in 2020 (EIA, 2020). This demand is 
likely to rise even faster in the near future because of  the 
rapid rate of  urbanization and industrialization (Anik & 
Rahman, 2021).
On the other hand, due to large-scale production and 
high nutritional benefits, the establishment of  food 
processing enterprises is strengthened, which boosts 
farmers’ economic condition (Sanusi, Ashaolu, Akogun, 
& Ayinde, 2016). South Asian countries like Bangladesh 
enjoy a strategic advantage in the food processing industry 
as it relies on its adequate agricultural inputs (World Bank, 
2012). However, the perishability and seasonality feature 
of  agricultural raw materials makes the activities of  the 
agro-food processing industry challenging (Nwakuba, 
Ndukwe, & Paul, 2021). In any type of  food processing 
industry, energy is generally needed for machinery, 
technological devices, and equipment handling 
operations such as freezing, drying, heating, refrigeration 
and cooling (Murali, Krishnan, Amulya, Alfiya, Delfiya, 
& Samuel, 2021). It is crucial to determine the scope 
for minimizing energy demand in the food processing 
industry and enhancing efficiency by properly utilizing 
technologies. Bangladesh is gradually reassigning from 
petroleum to natural gas sources which are depleting 

fast to meet the energy demand of  different sectors 
like the food processing sector (Anik & Rahman, 2021). 
Besides, the demand for food is increasing gradually as 
the population rises, resulting in massive pressure on 
energy consumption (Bajan, Mrówczy´nska-Kami´nska 
& Poczta, 2020). 
Energy efficiency is ensured when the same amount of  
output requires comparatively less energy consumption 
in the production plant (Gembicki, 2016). More precisely, 
efficiency is primarily the association between the input 
and output parameters. Through efficiency measurement, 
the performance and quality of  transforming input 
into output can be assessed (Lu, Chiu, Chiu, & Chang, 
2022). Despite advancements in different areas, the food 
processing industry faces enormous hurdles of  high energy 
consumption and low operational efficiency (Nwakuba et 
al., 2021). In this case, technological innovation is one 
of  the leading measures to shrink energy consumption, 
confirming energy efficiency (Sohag, Begum, Abdullah & 
Jaafar, 2015). Hence, achieving energy efficiency is a must 
for the country to survive in the long run (Gembicki, 
2016). Considering the significance, this study aims to 
review the possibilities of  ensuring energy efficiency 
through technological innovation in the food processing 
industry of  Bangladesh. This article depicts the research 
background followed by the methodology, literature 
review, findings and discussion section. It ends with 
implications and contributions to this area of  study.

Background of  the Study
Food processing is one of  the world’s largest and growing 
industries (Ahmadi, Das, Ehyaei, Esmaeilion, Assad, 
Jamali, Koohshekan, Kumar, Rosen, Negi, Bhogilla, & 
Safari, 2021). It has become the mainstay of  the country’s 
viable long-run social and economic growth. From 
Bangladesh’s perspective, over 700 raw and processed 

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food products are exported to over 140 countries, 
generating US$400 million, employing approximately 40% 
of  the labor force directly and indirectly and contributing 
16% to the country’s GDP (BIDA, 2020). This industry 
eases poverty, increases the standard of  living, creates 
employment opportunities, generates export earnings 
and boosts the country’s overall growth and development. 
Therefore, the food processing industry has huge 
potential to unlock and accelerate economic growth, and 
strengthen the growth and advancement of  a developing 
nation like Bangladesh.
In a similar fashion, energy is considered one of  the 
basic factors of  production contributing to the GDP of  
any economy (Lee & Change, 2008). Furthermore, it is 
sometimes termed as the economy’s lifeblood as it directly 
influences different macroeconomic variables (Azam, 
2020). Energy, especially electricity, is an indispensable 
factor for Bangladesh’s economic advancement as the 
country’s swift economic progression in the near future 
will require more electricity supply (Mondal, Boie, & 
Denich, 2010). In 2019, Bangladesh is ranked 47th in 
terms of  total energy usage, with an upward demand 
trend (EIA, 2020). Moreover, energy demand is rising 
despite limited supplies and sources; thus, exploring the 
dynamics of  energy consumption and achieving energy 
efficiency for the future is crucial (Murshed & Alam, 
2021). 
In particular, the food processing industry requires huge 
energy to perform its day-to-day operations (Ahmadi 
et al., 2021). This sector comprises energy-intensive 
operations, and incurs expenses, accounting for 20 to 
50 percent of  total production costs (Clairand, Briceño-
León, Escrivá-Escrivá, & Pantaleo, 2020). Similarly, in 
this era of  technological advancements, like all others, the 
energy sector is also trying to employ sophisticated and 
innovative technology to achieve energy efficiency (Chen, 
Sinha, Hu & Shah, 2021). Relevantly, scholarly attention 
has been drawn recently to the advent of  energy-saving, 
alternative technologies. 
The energy demand, technology, and efficiency nexus in 
Bangladesh’s food processing industry is gaining traction 
and necessitates exploring numerous undiscovered 
concerns. Many studies explore energy demand, 
technology and efficiency as separate topics. However, 
the studies combining energy demand, technology and 
efficiency relationships, to leave directions for the food 
processing industry of  Bangladesh are hardly found in 
the extant literature. Hence, scholarly attention is required 
to close this identified research gap and address a major 
research question (i) does the installation of  energy-
saving technology impact the achievement of  efficiency 
in energy consumption of  the food processing industry 
in Bangladesh? Therefore, this study aims to conduct 
a systematic review to reveal the impact of  energy-
efficient technology on energy demand management in 
the food processing industry, with a specific reference to 
Bangladesh.  

LITERATURE REVIEW
Estimating the macroeconomic determinants of  
Bangladesh’s total, renewable, and non-renewable 
energy demands: the role of  technological innovations 
(Murshed & Alam, 2021). Murshed and Alam (2021) 
work on the overall energy demand for both primary 
energy and electricity consumption in Bangladesh from 
1980–2014, aiming to explore the influencing factors by 
employing econometric analysis tools. The study shows 
that economic advancements and increased household 
consumption upturn energy demand whereas income 
inequality produces the opposite result. The study also 
found that technological innovation demotivates total 
and non-renewable energy demand while motivating 
renewable energy demand. Besides, the increased oil 
price does not affect renewable energy demand but slows 
down non-renewable energy demand.
The nexuses between energy investments, technological 
innovations, emission taxes, and carbon emissions in 
China (Ma, Murshed, & Khan, 2021). Ma, Murshed, & 
Khan (2021) investigate the carbon emissions and the 
related issues in the provincial area of  China considering 
the sample period from 1995 to 2019 by employing 
sophisticated econometric analysis. The study reveals that 
economic growth in the provinces and development in 
the tertiary sector are the major causes of  excessive energy 
consumption, leading to carbon emissions in China. On 
the contrary, technological innovation, renewable energy, 
research and development investment, and emission taxes 
can reduce carbon emissions and demotivate fossil fuel 
use.
Economic Energy Efficiency of  Food Production 
Systems (Bajan, Mrówczy´nska-Kami´nska, &amp; 
Poczta, 2020). Bajan et al (2020) address the traditional 
problem of  increasing energy consumption due to 
population growth over time. They undertake a research 
initiative that aims to analyze the economic energy 
efficiency in the case of  food production in the cross-
country context. The study illustrates that the energy 
consumption of  food production increased by around 
27% in the selected countries from the period of  2000 
to 2014. But surprisingly, energy intensity is decreased 
by around 18%, meaning achieving energy efficiency is 
possible even if  the energy consumption increases. To 
execute the study, the researchers use the World Input-
Output Database (WIOD) as the source of  data and the 
Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment (EIO-
LCA) was employed as analysis method. The research is 
limited by the fact that farming conditions vary between 
nations.
Machine Learning Methods in Energy Consumption 
Optimization Assessment in Food Processing Industry 
(Milczarski, Stawska, Hłobaż, Zieliński, Maślanka, & 
Kosiński, 2021). Milczarski, Stawska, Hłobaż, Zieliński, 
Maślanka, and Kosiński (2021) in their study demonstrate 
the process of  carbon footprint optimization to ensure the 
products contain comparatively low carbon. In this study 

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funded by the Polish R&D Agency under the CFOOD 
project, they employ LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) 
model to analyze and represent the carbon footprint. 
Furthermore, they apply the clusterization method to 
better discuss the carbon footprint of  frozen vegetables. 
The researchers employ three types of  clusterization 
namely K-means clusterization, EM clusterization and 
Canopy clusterization. 
A review on boilers energy use, energy savings, and 
emissions reductions (Barma, Saidur, Rahman, Allouhi, 
Akash & Sait, 2017). Barma, Saidur, Rahman, Allouhi, 
Akash, and Sait (2017) conduct a study on the boiler’s 
efficiency so that the consumption of  fossil fuel can be 
reduced and CO2 emissions can also be regulated. To 

reach the solution, they go through an extensive literature 
review and illustrate the reasons and remedies. According 
to the study, 70 to 90% of  energy is utilized in a typical 
boiler, whereas 10 to 30% of  energy is lost as heat. 
Hence, optimizing boiler efficiency by limiting heat loss 
can significantly reduce fossil fuel usage, hence improving 
energy efficiency. Major causes for heat loss are found 
as flue gas may be due to leaks, radiation and blowing 
down. The study suggests some remedial measures to the 
energy losses like controlling the excessive air, different 
heat recovery techniques and performing efficient energy 
audits and maintenance activities. Besides, the study 
focuses on creating awareness among the staffs involved 
by providing education, training and seminar programs. 

Table 1: Summary of  Reviewed Literature
Author (s) & 
Year

Subjects & 
Contexts

Key Findings Estimation 
Methods

Future Research 
Direction

Murshed & 
Alam, 2021

Macroeconomic 
determinants of  
energy demand 

Bangladesh

Economic advancement 
increases the energy demand. 

Technological innovation 
declines the total and non-
renewable energy and upsurges 
the renewable energy demand.

Econometric 
methods 

Co integration 

Unit root test 

ARDL

Further research 
initiatives should be 
undertaken to explore 
more macroeconomic 
variables influencing 
the energy sector of  
Bangladesh.

Ma, Murshed & 
Khan, 2021

Energy 
investments & 
Technological 
innovation 

China

Economic growth in the 
provinces and tertiary 
development increase energy 
use as well as carbon emissions.  

Technological innovation, 
increased use of  renewable 
energy, investment in research 
and development, and imposing 
emission taxes can reduce 
carbon emissions.

Econometric 
Analysisw

Transportation, a 
major sector can be 
considered in the case 
of  Carbon emission 
and a non-linear 
modeling approach 
can be used in future 
studies.

Bajan, 
Mrówczy´nska-
Kami´nska & 
Poczta, 2020

Energy 
efficiency in 
food production 
sector 

14 selected 
countries

Achieving energy efficiency 
is possible even the energy 
consumption increases.

EIO-LCA -

Milczarski et al., 
2021

Energy 
optimization 
in the food 
processing 
industry 

Poland

The study revealed carbon 
footprint optimization 
techniques ensure low carbon 
in food. 

Though the minimum energy 
consumption in the production 
stage of  life cycle assessment 
(LCA) is enticing, it leads to 
increased energy intake in 
the cold-store or products 
destruction stage owing to poor 
manufacturing technology

The life cycle 
assessment 
(LCA) model

-

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Barma et al., 
2017

Energy saving 
and emission 
reduction 
technology

Fossil fuel consumption can 
be decreased by increasing 
the boiler’s efficiency through 
preventing wastage heat, proper 
maintenance, training and 
education, etc.

- The heat recovery 
techniques need to 
be further examined 
by future research 
initiatives.

Chen, Sinha, Hu 
& Shah, 2021 

Technological 
innovation and 
energy efficiency 

Middle East and 
North African 
(MENA) 
countries 

Technological innovation and 
reformation of  economic 
structure ensure energy 
efficiency. 

Economic growth decreases 
energy efficiency.

Unit root test 

Chudik and 
Pesaran (2015) 
cross-sectional 
dependence test 

Cross-sectional 
augmented 
Dickey-Fuller 
(CADF) test  

Cross-sectional 
Im-Pesaran-Shin 
(CIPS) test

The influence of  
bi-lateral trade, 
dispersion of  
innovation and its 
nature should be 
investigated in further 
study. 

Ouyang, Jian, & 
Jiang, 2022

Energy 
efficiency in 
industries 

China

Achieving energy efficiency is 
essentially required for energy 
conservation and ecological 
preservation. 

Regional technology differences 
limit energy efficiency. 

Planned industrial expansion 
and innovation can ensure 
energy efficiency.

Parametric meta-
frontier analysis

-

Sohag, Begum, 
Abdullah & 
Jaafar, 2015

Dynamics of  
energy use 

Malaysia

Technological innovation 
is found as a vital factor in 
reducing energy use. 

Economic growth and 
trade openness are liable for 
triggering energy use.

ARDL DOLS 
Gregory Hansen

-

Bölük & Koç, 
2010

The electricity 
demand of  the 
manufacturing 
sector 

Turkey

Demand for electricity is 
sensitive to price change. 

Electricity, labor and capital are 
corresponding with each other. 

Labor and capital demand are 
influenced by electricity price 
changes. 

Intermediate input was found 
more inelastic.

Translog Cost 
Function 
Framework

-

Islam, 2021 Dynamics of  
energy use 

Bangladesh

GDP per capita and trade 
openness are responsible for 
increasing energy use. 

Technological innovation 
ensures energy efficiency.

ARDL -

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However, the suggested heat recovery techniques needed 
to be further examined for improved results.
Impact of  technological innovation on energy efficiency 
in industry 4.0 era: Moderation of  shadow economy 
in sustainable development (Chen, Sinha, Hu & Shah, 
2021). Chen et al (2021) studied MENA countries from 
1990–2016 using a second-generation methodology in 
the Industry 4.0 and Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs) contexts. This study highlights how energy 
demand is associated with technological innovation, the 
shadow economy, and structural transformation to help 
MENA countries achieve the SDGs. The findings reveal 
that technological innovation and economic structure 
reform improve energy efficiency when economic 
growth interferes. Based on the results, they have devised 
an SDG framework that could aid MENA states in 
achieving SDGs 7, 8, 9, and 4.
Energy efficiency of  the industrial sectors in Beijing-
Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration: does technological 
gap matter (Ouyang, Jian, & Jiang, 2022). Ouyang, Jian, 
and Jiang (2022) in their study use Parametric meta-
frontier analysis to determine the industrial total-factor 
energy efficiency (TFEE) of  the Beijing Tianjin Hebei 
urban agglomeration (BTHUA), focusing on the regional 
technology gap ratio (TGR) based on data between 
2005-2018. This study, funded by the National Natural 
Science Foundation of  China, claimed that energy 
efficiency is crucial to energy conservation and ecological 
preservation, which help achieve sustainable economic 
reforms. The findings show that BTHUA’s industrial 
TFEE is geographically unequal. Beijing has the region’s 
highest TGRs. In this manner, regional technology 
differences limit energy efficiency. Nonetheless, the 
region has the opportunity to preserve energy and reduce 
emissions through planned industrial expansion and 
advancements in energy efficiency.
Dynamics of  energy use, technological innovation, 
economic growth and trade openness in Malaysia (Sohag, 
Begum, Abdullah & Jaafar, 2015). Sohag et al (2015) 
conducted a study to assess the impact of  technological 
innovation on the efficient use of  energy considering the 
effect in terms of  economic growth and trade openness 
by analyzing the secondary data available in the sample 
period 1985-2012 in Malaysia. The study demonstrates 
that technological innovation has a positive impact 
on reducing energy use since it warrants more energy 
efficiency. On the other side, economic growth and 
trade openness are found substantial variables to trigger 
the energy use in Malaysia during the sample period. 
To execute the analysis, the ARDL (Auto-Regressive 
Distributed Lag), the DOLS (Dynamic Ordinary 
Least Squares) and Gregory-Hansen estimation tools 
were employed. The study has a limitation in that CO2 
emissions were not considered as a variable. 
Electricity demand of  manufacturing sector in Turkey: 
A translog cost approach (Bölük & Koç, 2010). Bölük 
and Koç (2010) in their empirical study considering 
four variables- Capital, Labour, Intermediate Input and 

Electricity, illustrate that electricity demand is sensitive 
to price change where electricity, labor and capital all are 
correlated. The study furthermore explores that the labor 
and capital demand are highly influenced by the changes 
in electricity price where the intermediate input was found 
more inelastic. The study was conducted by investigating 
the secondary data available for the period between 1980 
and 2001 in the Turkey context by employing Translog 
Cost Function Framework.
Dynamics of  energy use, technological innovation, 
economic growth, and trade openness in Bangladesh 
(Islam, 2021). Islam (2021) has tried to examine the 
relationship between technological innovations and 
energy usage, with a particular reference to Bangladesh. 
The author utilizes Marshallian demand function as 
the study backdrop. The data from a total of  37 years 
(1980-2016) has been sampled for analysis employing 
ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag) bounds testing 
approach. The empirical findings reveal that GDP per 
capita and trade openness are the key determinants of  
increased energy consumption. The study also results that 
technological innovation directs to an increase in energy 
efficiency and reduces its consumption in Bangladesh. 
The study recommends Bangladesh replace old, energy-
inefficient systems with innovative, energy-efficient 
technology to achieve sustainable energy security.

METHODOLOGY
Beginning with the central research gap, a systematic 
literature review is carried out to portray the extant 
literature on the energy demand scenario in relation to 
technology and energy efficiency. The research question 
has been arranged, structured and categorized considering 
the population- intervention- exposure- comparator- 
outcome (PIECO) elements.
Population (s): Food processing industry and Bangladesh. 
Intervention (s): Installation of  energy-saving technology in 
the industry. Exposure (s): Energy-efficient food processing 
plants. Comparator(s): energy consumption before and 
after utilizing energy-saving technology. Outcome (s): 
Level of  efficiency achieved in energy consumption in the 
industry after the installation of  energy-saving technology. 
Based on PIECO elements, the relevant literature has been 
searched, screened and reviewed to update the present state 
of  knowledge and provide exemplary research directions.

Searching the literature
Database for Literature Search
A systematic literature review is dependent on the sources 
of  literature and the process in which they are searched 
(Xiao & Watson, 2019). In this case, a systematic literature 
search is conducted using the Scopus database, followed 
by title, abstract, full-text screening and final inclusion. 
Scopus is used to search the literature because it covers a 
huge number of  journals (Paul & Criado, 2020). Besides, it 
is easier to obtain a search result from the Scopus database 
and download it directly in.csv format (Roy, Some, Das, & 
Pathak, 2021). 

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Keywords Utilized for the Search
The search keywords have been derived from the 
formulated research question, which is further divided 
into concept domains using the PIECO elements. 
Synonyms, acronyms, alternate spellings, and similar 
phrases are also used, which can broaden the notions in 
the search queries (Rowley & Slack, 2004). To include 
and join the main terms and synonyms, the search string 
is built using the Boolean operators “AND” and “OR”. 
Two search queries (search query 1 and search query 
2) have been constructed and utilized for searching the 
literature from the Scopus database.

Search Query 1
(“energy demand” OR “energy demand modelling” 
OR “electricity model” OR “electricity modelling” OR 
“electricity demand model” OR “electricity demand 
modelling” OR “industrial electricity demand” OR 
“electricity demand estimate” OR “electricity usage” 
OR “electricity consumption” OR “electricity demand 
forecasting” OR “energy efficiency” OR “energy 
sustainability” OR “environment sustainability” OR 
“electricity sustainability” OR “electricity efficiency” 
OR “electricity saving technology” OR “energy saving 
technology” OR “energy efficient equipment” OR 
“energy efficient technology” OR “energy efficient 

machinery”) AND (“food manufacturing industry” OR 
“food processing industry” OR “food supply chain” OR 
“beverage processing industry” OR “ fruit processing 
industry” OR “agro-based industry” OR agribusiness) 
AND (bangladesh OR asia OR “developing countries”)

Search Query 2
“electricity demand modelling” OR “electricity demand” 
OR “price elasticity for electricity” OR “demand elasticity 
for electricity” OR “income elasticity for electricity” 
OR “cross price elasticity” AND “electricity efficient 
technology” OR “technological innovation” AND 
bangladesh OR asia
 
Identification of  Literature
Two search queries, based on PIECO elements, specified 
in annexes A and B are employed to identify articles from 
Scopus, yielding 1054 articles from search query 01 and 
199 from search query 02, for a total of  1253 articles. 
The literature search was done with the utmost care and 
caution to avoid common errors.

Screening and Final Inclusion
After compiling a list of  articles, screening is crucial to 
determine whether the articles are to be included for 
review (Xiao, Y., & Watson, M. (2019). The screening 

Table 2: Articles inclusion criteria for review at different phases
Phases Inclusion

(No. of  articles included)
Phase 1: Identifying the articles
The search queries 01 and 02 are employed to identify articles from Scopus 1253
Phase 2: Eligibility criteria to be included
Following the title screening 78
Following abstract screening 22
After full text review 10
Phase 3: Finally included articles
Total articles included for the study 10

Figure 1: Year wise number of  articles selected for final 
review (2010-2022)

Table 3: Type and ranking of  10 papers, selected for 
review
Type of  Paper Number Scimago Journal 

Rank
Journal Article 9 Q1 = 8

Q3 = 1
Conference Paper 1 -----

procedure begins with title screening, continues with 
abstract screening, and concludes with full-text screening. 
This study screens 78 of  1253 articles by title, 22 by 
abstract and 10 by full-text read review. This full-text 
reviewed 10 articles have been chosen for final review. It 
comprises articles from diverse settings and perspectives 
from the Scopus database, to be included for final review. 
This process limits and covers the documents from 2010 
to 2022.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Economic expansion and higher household energy 
consumption increase the aggregate energy demand in 
Bangladesh (Murshed & Alam, 2021). Since this demand 
will continue to increase, addressing the energy demand-
supply imbalance would be a government priority. 
Generally, economic growth and development at the 
tertiary level are leading motives for energy consumption, 
whereas factors like technological innovation, spending 

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on research and development, relying more on renewable 
energy, emission taxes, etc. are conducive to reduced 
energy consumption, thus releasing less carbon (Ma et al., 
2021). Like in other developing economies, the growing 
population is one of  Bangladesh’s largest drivers of  
energy demand. Though population growth increases 
energy consumption, energy-efficient food production 
lowers energy demand (Bajan et al., 2020).
In particular, each phase of  food processing necessitates a 
significant amount of  energy intake. However, energy use 
can be optimized by ensuring low-carbon products and 
sophisticated technology in the food processing industry 
(Milczarski et al., 2021). For instance, efficiency in boilers 
can be achieved completely differently. In boilers, energy 
is lost in various forms of  heat; therefore, limiting heat 
loss can reduce fossil fuel usage, hence enhancing energy 
efficiency (Barma et al., 2017). Furthermore, together with 
technological innovation, economic reform can ensure 
energy efficiency, whereas excessive economic activity 
instigates energy consumption (Chen et al., 2021). Hence, 
by narrowing technology gaps, energy efficiency might be 
achieved which assists in reducing carbon emissions and 
conserving energy (Ouyang et al., 2022). It is evident that 
factors such as gross domestic product (GDP) growth 
and trade openness boost energy consumption. However, 
technical advancement ensures energy efficiency by 
reducing energy use (Sohag et al., 2015). 
On the other hand, changes in energy prices cause 
fluctuations in demand, which might affect the demand 
for manufacturing inputs. In particular, electricity is one 
of  the most essential forms of  energy, whose demand 
and price variations are intertwined, with some aspects, 
such as the demand for labor and capital, being highly 
influenced by the fluctuations in electricity price (Bölük 
& Koç, 2010). Therefore, energy forecasting is needed to 
foresee future energy demand and manage it efficiently. 
For effective energy management and a sustainable future, 
Bangladesh should prioritize technological innovation 
alongside other concerns (Islam, 2021). 
The review paper contributes to the collection of  
theoretical and analytical models that researchers and 
practitioners can use for quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-
approach research and practices (Paul & Criado, 2020). 
This study enriches extant literature in this area of  study 
and provides a complete summary of  existing literature 
with critical analysis. Likewise, it identifies future research 
avenues and provides research directions (Rowley & Slack 
2004). Therefore, it becomes easier to find research gaps 
and create avenues for further studies (Paul & Criado, 
2020). This review also serves as a guide for government, 
development agents, policy makers, scholars, businesses, 
entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders, working in the 
energy sector and food processing industry in Bangladesh.

CONCLUSION
The economic activities are gradually increasing 
in Bangladesh and it creates extra pressure on the 
energy. Energy efficiency should be achieved through 

technological breakthroughs and other possible measures 
in the future to meet Bangladesh’s massive energy 
consumption, particularly in the food processing industry. 
Hence, efficient energy use and effective management 
in food processing plants, are to be highly encouraged 
for lowering costs, conserving fossil energy sources, and 
limiting environmental degradation (Clairand et al., 2020).
In this backdrop, this paper explores the previous works 
on energy demand, possible energy-saving technology and 
achieving efficiency nexus in Bangladesh with a specific 
reference to the food processing industry. The findings 
reveal that energy demand in Bangladesh is influenced by 
a variety of  macroeconomic and other factors, and that 
implementing energy-saving technologies might be one of  
the determinants for increasing energy efficiency and, as a 
result, lowering energy demand. Considering the limited 
availability of  energy sources, energy-saving technology 
can be a strategic solution to meet the projected energy 
demand in the days to come. Acknowledging this view, 
actions at the policy level must be taken and implemented 
to adopt energy-saving practices and more importantly, 
incentives should be offered to buy and employ energy-
saving technologies (Clairand et al., 2020). Therefore, 
all the actors must step forward to work together for 
addressing the challenge of  achieving energy- efficiency 
by utilizing many strategies and like technology.

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