Workshop on “Hydropower-based collaboration in South Asia: Socio-economic development and electricity trade“, 21-22 November 2017, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Kathmandu, Nepal.
What are the challenges and opportunities for cross-border electricity trade in BBIN sub-region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal)? Despite tremendous hydro-power potentials, the sub-region has been able to produce an extremely small fraction of power.
Dr. Shobhakar Dhakal presented the key findings of ongoing energy assessment of Hindu Kush Himalaya Region and emphasized the need for regional collaboration in South Asia. Distinguished participants from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal had joined this workshop organized by ICIMOD and Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of NUS Singapore.
What are key to move forward? Trust building at various levels (huge deficit), evidence-based information on multiple-benefits (yet murky), finding win-win options for all countries, and showcasing few success-stories to generate momentum.