In News:

The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), spanning about 3,500 km across eight countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan—is a global ecological and hydrological powerhouse.

Often termed the “Third Pole”, it holds the largest area of permanent ice cover outside the Arctic and Antarctic, feeding 10 major Asian river systems including the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. Despite its significance, a new report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) warns that the region is tapping only 6.1% of its vast renewable energy potential, exposing vulnerabilities in the face of climate change.

About ICIMOD

• Established in 1983, headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Intergovernmental body representing eight member countries of the HKH.
• Mission: Build and share knowledge to drive regional policy, investments, and climate-resilient development.
• Functions:
  • Knowledge generation and sharing.
  • Bridging science, policy, and practice.
  • Providing a regional platform for sustainable mountain development.

Renewable Energy Potential in HKH

• Total hydropower potential: 882 GW.
  • Of this, 635 GW lies in the trans-boundary rivers of HKH.
  • Only 49% of hydropower potential is currently harnessed.
• Non-hydro potential: Nearly 3 Terawatts (solar & wind).
• Combined renewable energy potential in the region: >3.5 Terawatts.
• Current share in Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES): just 6.1%.

Country-wise Renewable Scenario

• Bhutan & Nepal: Generate 100% of electricity from renewables.
• India: Renewables contribute 23% of electricity generation.
• Others: Reliance on fossil fuels remains very high (Bangladesh 98%, Pakistan 76%, China 67%, Myanmar 51%).
• Traditional biomass use: Alarmingly high in rural areas—two-thirds of Nepal’s TPES, half of Myanmar’s, one-fourth of Bhutan’s and Pakistan’s—leading to severe air quality and health issues.

Climate Change & Energy Risks

The report highlights that climate variability is destabilising energy systems:

• Increased water variability and changing hydrological regimes reduce hydropower reliability.
• Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and extreme weather events threaten nearly two-thirds of existing and planned hydropower projects.
• Infrastructure damage due to landslides, floods, and mega-floods is rising.

Policy Recommendations

• Integrate disaster risk reduction into hydropower and renewable energy projects.
• Explore “dams equivalents” like:
  • Climate-resilient irrigation systems.
  • On-farm water-efficient practices.
  • Urban water storage solutions.
  • Scaling up solar and wind power.
• Promote regional cooperation through platforms like SAARC Energy Centre and BIMSTEC Energy Ministers’ Conference.
• Attract international finance and private investment to overcome capital constraints.
• Encourage south-south collaboration, technology exchange, and joint research.

Significance for India

• India, a major HKH country, has both high renewable potential and high fossil fuel dependence.
• Regional clean energy cooperation can:
  • Enhance energy security.
  • Reduce import dependence.
  • Create green jobs.
  • Help achieve India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.