Himalayan Nations Harness Only 6% Clean Energy Despite Vast Renewable Potential: ICIMOD – EQ
In Short : Clean energy constitutes just 6.1% of the total energy supply in Himalayan nations, despite the region’s vast renewable potential, ICIMOD reports. Abundant solar, wind, and hydro resources remain largely untapped. Expanding renewable energy deployment could improve energy access, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support sustainable development while enhancing resilience to climate change in these vulnerable high-altitude regions.
In Detail : According to ICIMOD, clean energy accounts for only 6.1% of the total energy supply in Himalayan nations, despite the region’s abundant renewable potential. Solar, wind, and hydro resources remain largely underutilized, highlighting a significant gap between capacity and deployment. This presents both challenges and opportunities for sustainable energy development in the region.
The Himalayan region, spanning multiple countries, has immense solar radiation potential, particularly in high-altitude areas. Solar energy could provide decentralized power solutions for remote communities, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and addressing energy access disparities across mountainous terrains.
Wind energy also remains largely untapped. Certain passes and elevated ridges in the Himalayas receive consistent wind flows, making them ideal for wind power generation. Proper planning and investment could harness this resource to supplement local energy supply.
Hydropower offers another significant opportunity, given the abundance of rivers and streams. Small- and medium-scale hydro projects could provide reliable electricity to communities, while large-scale projects can contribute to national grids, generating both energy and revenue for local economies.
ICIMOD emphasizes that political coordination and cross-border collaboration are crucial. Many Himalayan nations share watersheds and climate challenges, making regional strategies and agreements necessary to efficiently exploit renewable resources while avoiding environmental and social conflicts.
Investment in renewable infrastructure is limited by financing, technology, and logistical challenges. Remote, high-altitude terrain increases project costs and complexity, necessitating innovative solutions such as modular technologies, energy storage, and microgrids tailored to the Himalayan context.
Capacity building and technical expertise are also critical. Training local engineers and technicians in renewable energy installation, maintenance, and management can ensure sustainability, create employment, and strengthen the operational resilience of projects in these challenging environments.
Policy frameworks and incentives are needed to encourage renewable adoption. Subsidies, tax incentives, and streamlined permitting processes can help attract private investment and stimulate public-private partnerships, ensuring that the region’s vast renewable potential is translated into practical energy solutions.
In conclusion, the Himalayas hold enormous clean energy potential that remains largely untapped, with renewable sources contributing just 6.1% of total supply. Expanding solar, wind, and hydropower, supported by regional collaboration, investment, and policy support, can enhance energy access, promote sustainability, and strengthen climate resilience in these vulnerable high-altitude regions.
