Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan make up the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. These countries are facing an acute energy crisis that has resulted from their over-dependence on biofuels and waste. A recent report titled “Together we have more power: status, challenges, and the potential for regional renewable energy cooperation in the Hindu Kush Himalaya” reveals that traditional cooking and heating methods dominate energy consumption in the region. The problematic reliance on these short-sighted solutions stymies the push to cleaner, more cost-effective energy options. Beyond those threats, it harms air quality and public health.
Avishek Malla, the coordinating author of this report, was the leader behind this report. It provides deep dive analysis on the present-state energy landscape and underscores that clean energy makes up only 6.1% of the entire primary energy supply in HKH countries. Bhutan and Nepal can boast of meeting 100% of their electricity needs from renewables. In stark comparison, the other five heavily depend on fossil fuels – increasing the environmental harms caused by these industries.
Current Energy Landscape
The report’s key findings reveal a deep dichotomy in energy use between HKH countries. Bhutan and Nepal serve as examples of successful renewable energy implementation, showcasing that it is possible to meet electricity demands sustainably. For other countries, like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, and Pakistan, fossil fuel usage still makes up the largest share of energy usage.
This reversal follows a very concerning worldwide trend and emphasizes the dire need of a transition to renewable energy alternatives throughout the HKH region. The region has one of the largest renewable energy potentials in the country, with over 3.5 terawatts (TW) of potential renewable energy resources. Hydropower is really amazing too, with an estimated potential of 882 gigawatts (GW) in just the eight countries bordering the Amazon. Of this, 635 GW is generated from transboundary rivers. As a result, only 49% of this hydropower potential is being used today.
Challenges to Renewable Energy Adoption
The report highlights that even with a huge renewable energy development potential, many barriers stand in the way. These challenges range from technological barriers to funding and infrastructure deficits. Additionally, political instability in many of these areas often inhibits strong efforts to lay the groundwork for collaborative, uptempo regional energy partnerships.
Despite these obstacles, the report underscores that the HKH countries possess a tremendous opportunity for regional cooperation in renewable energy initiatives. Together, these countries can leverage their collective expertise and resources. They can work to increase energy access and sustainability on both sides of the border.
The Path Forward
Going ahead, all stakeholders in the HKH region should be focused on accelerating the transition to renewable energy alternatives. To maximize economic recovery, policymakers should look to put in place strategies that not only spur investment in renewable technologies, but promote collaboration across borders. By addressing traditional reliance on biofuels and waste, the region can improve air quality and health outcomes while tapping into its vast renewable resources.