Himalayan Clean Energy Potential Remains Untapped Amid Rising Climate Threats

The Himalayan region is home to immense renewable energy reserves, yet countries across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) are tapping into only a sliver of this wealth. According to a new report by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), clean energy accounts for just 6.1 per cent of the region’s total primary energy supply, despite vast hydropower, solar and wind capacity that could help meet both development and climate goals.

Vast Potential, Limited Use

The report highlights that the HKH has a hydropower potential of a total of 882 Gigawatts identified in Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. The vast majority of that potential (635 Gigawatts) is from the waters of the transboundary rivers of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. Just 49% of this potential is currently tapped. Alongside hydropower, solar and wind potential in the area amounts to nearly three terawatts, which is far higher than the combined renewable energy pledges made in the countries’ climate commitments.

Yet, renewable energy still plays a minor role in most national energy mixes. Bhutan and Nepal rely entirely on renewable sources for their electricity, but in the rest of the HKH region, fossil fuels remain the mainstay. They account for 98 per cent of power generation in Bangladesh, 77 per cent in India, 76 per cent in Pakistan, 67 per cent in China and 51 per cent in Myanmar.

Climate Risks and Traditional Fuels

The report warns that climate change could threaten future hydropower projects. Rising water variability, more extreme weather and the risk of glacial lake outburst floods put nearly two-thirds of current and planned hydropower plants at risk. The region’s dependence on large dams for both power and flood control may therefore face significant challenges in the coming years.

At the same time, many Himalayan nations continue to rely on biofuels and waste for household energy needs. In Nepal, these traditional sources account for nearly two-thirds of the energy supply, while in Myanmar, they contribute about half. Pakistan and Bhutan also draw roughly a quarter of their energy from such sources, which has consequences for air quality and public health.

The Way Forward

The ICIMOD study argues that unlocking the region’s clean energy potential requires more than building dams. Alternatives such as efficient irrigation, urban water storage and investment in solar and wind power can deliver many of the same benefits without carrying the same level of risk. Multipurpose energy planning could help balance electricity generation with water security and disaster management.

“We have extraordinary renewable potential across the region, particularly in India and China, which are already leading the way in clean energy,” said Avishek Malla, coordinating lead author. “Tapping into this competitive advantage offers a major opportunity to accelerate green economic growth, reduce poverty and move closer to meeting ambitious emission-reduction goals.”

The report points to barriers that continue to hold back progress, including high capital costs, limited public funding, gaps in technology and outdated policy frameworks. Regional cooperation, greater private sector involvement and international financial support are identified as critical next steps. Platforms such as the SAARC Energy Centre and BIMSTEC energy forums could help countries coordinate strategies and share expertise.

References:

https://doi.org/10.53055/ICIMOD.1090

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/energy/himalayan-nations-tapping-just-6-of-vast-clean-energy-potential-icimod-report

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Image by Makalu on Pixabay

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Vivek Saini
Vivek Saini
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