Experts call for South Asian energy security

Highlight role of regional cooperation, renewable energy

ISLAMABAD:

Energy experts, on Saturday, gathered at the “Energy Security in South Asia and Transition of Sustainable Sources” event, jointly organised by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Pakistan (FNF), to shed light on the pressing issue of energy security in the South Asian region. They emphasised the pivotal role of regional cooperation and renewable energy in achieving energy security while making it accessible and affordable for consumers.

Director of Pakistan Office FNF, Birgit Lamm, highlighted that a staggering 60% of South Asia’s energy demand relied on imports, rendering the region highly susceptible to external shocks such as the Russian-Ukrainian War and volatile fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate. Lamm emphasised the significance of energy as a lifeline for South Asian economies and the shared regional concern regarding exorbitant energy bills, not limited to Pakistan alone. Structural challenges in the regional energy landscape, coupled with demographic shifts, have been impeding sustainable economic growth.

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Hassan Daud Butt, Senior Advisor and Research Fellow at SDPI, emphasised the collaborative and integrated approach required to address common regional energy challenges. He stressed the importance of a sustainable and equitable transition to renewable energy sources, particularly in light of rising costs and socio-economic disparities, underscoring the need for regionally acceptable solutions.

Head of Energy Unit at SDPI, Ubaidur Rehman, underscored the vulnerability created by South Asian countries’ reliance on imported energy sources, exemplified by the ongoing regional turmoil. He advocated for enhanced regional cooperation beyond political conflicts, responsive energy policies, and inclusive access to clean energy as essential measures to uplift marginalised communities.

Ahsan Javed, Research Fellow in Renewable Energy, highlighted the untapped potential of regional energy trade and the need to leverage it to enhance energy security through a regional grid. Javed also pointed out that surplus electricity trade could significantly boost revenue generation for economic growth.

Lead Researcher at the Energy Unit of SDPI, Khalid Waleed, discussed the energy profiles of South Asian countries and outlined a roadmap for energy cooperation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2023.

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