Renewable Energy Potential in Hindu Kush Himalayas Underutilized

Kathmandu, Sep 5 (PTI) — A recent report shines a light on the underutilization of renewable energy in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Despite the region's vast renewable energy capacity, clean energy contributes to only 6% of the total primary energy supply. Notably, hydropower, with an identified potential of 882 Gigawatts across Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, remains largely untapped. Out of this, 635 Gigawatts is derived from transboundary rivers. Currently, only 49% of this potential is harnessed. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), a regional eight-nation body, released this assessment during the Asia-Pacific Clean Energy Week in Bangkok. The report highlights that the Hindu Kush Himalaya region has a solar and wind energy potential of 3 Terawatts, whereas the combined renewable energy targets of the countries within the region amount to just 1.7 Terawatts. The potential, however, is over 3.5 Terawatts. While both Bhutan and Nepal generate all their electricity from renewable sources, other countries in the region rely heavily on fossil fuels. For instance, fossil fuel accounts for 98% of Bangladesh’s electricity generation, 77% in India, 76% in Pakistan, 67% in China, and 51% in Myanmar. Additionally, biofuels and waste constitute a significant portion of total primary energy supply in four HKH countries, including two-thirds in Nepal and half in Myanmar. The report also addresses the impact of climate change on the energy sector, particularly hydropower. Challenges such as increased water variability, extreme weather events, and potential infrastructure damage threaten hydropower production. Significant risks like glacial lake outburst floods pose threats to current and planned hydropower projects, putting two-thirds of them at risk. The report emphasizes the role of multipurpose dams in flood moderation but advocates for alternative solutions—or "dams equivalents"—to manage water more efficiently. These alternatives include modern technological and structural solutions like improved irrigation systems, urban water storage, and the deployment of solar and wind energy. Various barriers hinder the advancement of renewables in the region. These include high capital costs, limited financing, private investment hurdles, environmental impacts, lack of experience, and technological constraints. Avishek Malla, Coordinating Lead Author, underscored the immense renewable potential within the region, particularly highlighting India and China as leading examples in clean energy. This potential represents a significant opportunity for green economic growth and poverty alleviation. The report was launched during the fourth session of the United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia Committee on Energy, held in Bangkok, focusing on transforming energy systems for a sustainable future.