Energy Scenario in South Asia: Analytical Assessment and Policy Implications

Abstract

In the South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, the current energy scenario is considered non-sustainable due to diverse issues such as economic, environmental, geopolitical, technological options for energy exploitation, and negligible volume of regional energy trade. Though, within the region, India is leading a phase of energy transition and economic transformation through renewable energy development. The countries need to exhibit well in the development of their renewable sources following the rapid pace of renewable energies worldwide. This paper offers an overview of the energy scenario, growth of renewable energies, evolution, and approach for energy policy by highlighting key challenges and barriers for the ecological energy mix of the countries. Importantly, the paper assesses the current energy mix in South Asia, highlighting the anomaly of its fossil fuel-based future outlook, its ambitions to move towards less environmental pollution, and sustainable energy mix through a strategic tool SWOT analysis; strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). In particular, this study examines the government policies to expand the implementation of renewable sources with an insight into the existing regulatory structure of the energy sector. The presented research findings suggest that to achieve the ambitious target to reduce emission discharge by up to 30% by the year 2030 under Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), the Governments of the three countries must take preemptive measures. It includes the stage-wise reduction of subsidies on fossil fuels, market integration within the region, and swift realization of the existing initiatives through strong political will, good governance, adoption of the latest technologies, and a pragmatic action plan, and energy cooperation across the region.

Multi-Objective Optimal Power Sharing Model for Futuristic SAARC Super Smart Grids

“…The key references for demand, generation, and capacity include [13], [16] for Afghanistan, [27] for Bangladesh, [32] for Bhutan, [33], [37], [63]- [65] for India, [39] for Maldives, [66] for Nepal, [51], [67] for Pakistan, and [53], [68] for Sri Lanka. Also, the key references for the generation cost include [19], [69], [70] for Afghanistan, [71], [72] for Bangladesh, [73] for Bhutan, [74]- [76] for India, [77] for Maldives, [78]- [80] for Nepal, [81] for Pakistan, and [82] for Sri Lanka.…”

Current status of running renewable energy in Bangladesh and future prospect: A global comparison

“…Sustainable energy sources are being used by developing countries to meet their energy needs, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, among others [ 23 ]. Bangladesh is a favorable location for the increase of the production of RE from a geographical perspective and the geographic position offers the nation a number of advantages that allow it to thrive in the generation of sustainable renewable energy.…”

Assessment of SAARC nations' solar energy potential for sustainable development

“…[1][2][3] In the twenty-first century, the crucial issue is how to thwart an energy crisis. 4 During the last decades, regular exertion has been performing to find numerous different ways to meet rising energy demand. 4,5 In order for the world to progress and remain competitive, three major issues must be addressed: affordable and easy access to energy, energy supply security, and environmental sustainability.…”