BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

CAN REGIONAL ENERGY COOPERATION IN SOUTH ASIA BE ENHANCED?

Author: Shebonti Ray Dadwal

DOI Link: DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2011v32n3a3

ABSTRACT

The pace of economic development of South Asian countries, albeit unevenly distributed has been impressive in the recent times. The future growth prospects however, would to a large extent be determined by access to adequate and affordable supplies of energy resources. Despite the tremendous scope and potential for energy cooperation, there is very little energy trade taking place within the region due to a number of technical, financial and political factors. As a result, much of this energy potential remains untapped and/or underdeveloped. This has an impact on the quality of lives of the peoples of the region, besides contributing to environmental degradation and pollution. Consequently, the region, which is home to a third of the world’s population, is coming under increasing international pressure for aggravating global warming and climate change. This paper looks at why, despite the many regional initiatives/projects that have been undertaken, few have succeeded in improving the energy situation. The paper will also attempt to identify the problems and impediments to regional energy trade and look at various options to overcome them.