Experts For Collaborative Efforts To Address Energy Challenges

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Aug, 2024) The experts at the study launch of Energy Security in South Asia have stressed the need for collaborative efforts to address energy challenges in South Asia through regional cooperation to ensure energy security.

Speaking at the launch of the study “Energy Security in South Asia: A case of Transitioning to Sustainable Sources” jointly prepared by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), Birgit Lamm, Country Head of FNF, stressed on the urgent need for sustainable energy policies, especially in the light of the current focus on energy prices in Pakistan, said a press release issued here on Sunday.

Ubaid ur Rehman Zia, Head of Energy Unit at SDPI, emphasized that South Asia, while being one of the fastest-growing regions, was highly susceptible to climate change. The ongoing socio-economic turmoil poses a significant challenge, particularly from an energy perspective.

He said that despite the region's vast potential, connectivity between countries remains limited. Over the next 30 years, South Asia is expected to add over 600 million people, significantly increasing energy needs. However, 66 percent of the region’s energy is imported, with fossil fuels accounting for 80 percent of total energy production, he added.

Considering these opportunities and challenges, the study “Energy Security in South Asia: A Case of Transitioning to Sustainable Sources”, examines the viability of regional cooperation and transition towards renewable energy as the key to addressing energy security concerns in South Asia. It analyses the energy sector landscape of South Asia, development plans for regional cooperation, and policy focus towards renewable energy upscale. It devises a roadmap for a more inclusive and green future of the energy sector in South Asia.

The study recommended the need for structural economic adjustments, decoupling economic growth from environmental impact, and addressing the lack of supporting policies and technology investments.

It pointed out inefficiencies in fossil fuel use and limited developments in renewable energy technologies. Financial constraints limited fiscal space and lack of comprehensive energy policies further complicate the region’s energy landscape.

It highlights the need for drafting extensive SOPs for Cross-Border Electricity Trade (CBET), designating regulatory authorities for CBET, and setting up regional and country-wide master plans to address these issues.

Hemantha Withanage, Executive Director of the Center for Environmental Justice in Sri Lanka, discussed Sri Lanka’s reliance on coal and thermal power for 50-60 percent of its energy needs.

Dr. Khalid Waleed, Research Fellow, SDPI, noted that there were hard borders in South Asia and geopolitics drives the regional dynamics, however, the shared threat of climate change is beyond physical borders.

Dr. Ghulam Samad, Senior Research Specialist at the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC), provided an update on the CASA-1000 Project, which had faced implementation delays and increased costs over the past 20 years. He outlined various challenges, including the evolving security situation in Afghanistan, coordination issues among multiple contractors, and the impact of COVID-19 on machinery imports.

Dr. Samad stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to avoid further financial losses and ensure the project's successful completion.

Ahsan Javed, Research Fellow at the SAARC Energy Centre, highlighted the significant portion of South Asia lacking access to energy, exacerbated by climate change driven by fossil fuel use. He advocated for utilizing indigenous, clean, and green resources, citing Bhutan’s model of exporting energy during the summer and importing it back in winter as an example for neighboring countries.

Shaukat Ali, Regional Programme Expert for South Asia at the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE), emphasized the need for policies to electrify rural areas through decentralization.