Report reveals that Himalayan nations are harnessing only around 6% of their immense clean energy potential, leaving a vast untapped opportunity in the region.
- HKH region encompasses eight nations i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Current Status and Underutilization of Energy Potential
- Hydropower Capacity: The region holds 882 GW potential, but just 49% is harnessed, mostly from transboundary rivers.
- Solar and Wind Potential: Vast non-hydro clean energy with 3 Terawatts available from solar and wind.
- Renewable energy potential within the HKH region alone is over 3.5 TW.
- Energy Mix: While Bhutan and Nepal generate 100% electricity from renewables, fossil fuels dominate electricity generation in other HKH countries e.g. 77% in India.
Barriers to Progress in Energy Co-operation
- Climate Risks: Shifting river flows, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and extreme weather threatens nearly two-thirds of existing and planned hydropower projects in region.
- Economic & Financial Hurdles: High project costs, weak private investment, and heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports.
- Other: Funding & Infrastructure Gap, land acquisition, displacement, and damage to fragile mountain ecosystems, technology deficit etc.
Recommendations for Regional Energy Cooperation
|
