Himalayan Nations Urged to Cooperate on Renewable Energy: Only 6% Utilized.

 Introduction

• The Himalayas, across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and parts of China has an enormous untapped potential for renewable energy — especially in hydropower and solar and wind power. Nevertheless, utilization has so far been realized for only 6% of the renewable-energy potential available. Such sentiments are being echoed by international scholars and regional consultations, which are pushing for cooperation among Himalayan countries to build sustainable energy developments that encourage economic growth and climate-proofing.
• This is paramount both for stability in the region and for delivering on Paris Climate Agreement targets and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 Energy Potential of Himalayas for Renewables

 Hydropower

• The Himalayan rivers from glaciers can produce more than 500 GW of hydropower!
• Although other nations have not yet reached 60 GW in combined capacity.
• Example: Bhutan already exports green hydropower to India but can also potentially expand.

Solar & Wind

• High out solar areas are those with a high solar insolation (5–6 kWh/m²/day).
• Valleys and ridges that act as wind corridors can provide localized clean energy.

 Biomass & Geothermal

• Himalayan belt has enough forests and organic waste to sustain biomass energy.
• Regions such as Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh have the potential of being geothermal hot springs.

 Why Only 6% is Tapped?

Geopolitical Tensions

• Problems with the India–China border and SAARC integration Bong Hwan Kim India–China Joint Projects : Despite the possibilities on their common border there is not much progress.

Financial Constraints

• Hydropower needs a huge initial investment and long years of gestation.

Environmental Concerns

• Threats of landslides, earthquakes and ecological jolts hold up approvals.

Infrastructure Gaps

• No cross-border transmission lines and storage facilities.

Policy & Governance Issues

• Diverse regulators and slow bureaucratic approvals.

 Why Cooperation is Essential?

🔹 Climate Change Mitigation

• Himalayan glaciers are melting at an accelerative pace; renewable energy provides a renewable and clean option compared to fossil fuels.

🔹 Regional Energy Security

• Energy and trade, leading to less imported oil and gas.

🔹 Economic Development

• Export of hydro resources can earn foreign exchange as in Bhutan’s revenue model.

🔹 Disaster Resilience

• Joint energy networks mean there are backups during emergencies (earthquakes, floods).

🔹 Strategic Stability

• Cross-border interrelations decrease conflicts and foster regional trust.

 Steps for Regional Cooperation

Himalayan Renewable Energy Cooperation Forum

• Akin to ISA, but for hydropower and cross-border energy.

Cross-Border Grid Infrastructure

• Scale up India-Bhutan-Nepal electricity trade and involve Bangladesh in the power trade.

Green Financing

• Mobilize World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Green Climate Fund resources for clean energy investments.

Disaster-Sensitive Planning

• Leverage AI for risk mapping for landside and flood-prone project sites.

Knowledge Sharing

• Collaborative R&D on battery storage, microgrids, and floating solar in Himalayan lakes.

 UPSC Relevance

Prelims:

• Himalayan rivers, hydropower potential.
• Renewable mandates (India: 500 GW by 2030).
• International Solar Alliance (ISA), BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India & Nepal) initiative.

Mains (GS-2 & GS-3):

GS-2 (International Relations): “Regional cooperation in South Asia is important for energy security. Discuss considering Himalayan hydropower potential.”

GS-3 (Environment & Energy): “Despite having a huge potential for renewables, the Himalayan region has tapped very little. Get an appraiser on these opportunities of mutual benefit.”

PYQ Reference

UPSC GS-2 Mains 2016:

“What are the challenges faced by India in becoming a permanent member of the UNSC? (Relevance: demonstrates relationship between regional cooperation and diplomacy and multilateral negotiations, also relates to roadblocks in posting energy cooperation).

UPSC GS-3 Mains 2017:

“Discuss India’s contribution to solar energy and issues associated with its growth.” (Similar in some ways to challenges in developing renewable energy in the Himalayas.)

 Challenges Ahead

• Environmental Threats: Dams are vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
• Political Will: India-Nepal water-sharing conflicts, Bhutan’s fears about debt, and China’s rogue dam-building.
• Community Resistance: Indigenous populations fear displacement.
• Technology chasm: No storage, smart grids, and micro-hydropower for off-grid villages.

 Way Forward

• Create a South Asian Green Energy Corridor.
• Strengthen SAARC Energy Centre and connect it to BIMSTEC programmes.
• Promote private sector / PPP models for transboundary projects.
• Advocate eco-friendly hydro power projects (run of the river projects you can support).
• Facilitate the trading of carbon rights to attract international investors.

 Conclusion

The Himalayan states possess a gold mine of renewable energy, but a lack of cooperation, hurdles of infrastructure and political obstacles slow the progress. But using only 6%, the region risks falling behind on both economic and climate chances. Enhanced cooperation — supported by a common policy framework, cross-border grids and green financing — can turn the Himalayas into the world’s clean-energy powerhouse.

This collaboration is not only a requirement of economy, but a compulsion for strategy development and peace in the region.