Why #OneSouthAsia?
Energy
What's New
Regional electricity trading can cut costs, improve reliability
Jan. 31, 2022 - Nascent power trade among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal is poised to expand as nations harmonize energy policies, hydropower plans, technical specifications, and commercial requirements.
World Bank board approves loan to support interregional power trading
June 25, 2021 - With support from the Program for Asia Connectivity and Trade, a new project will help Uzbekistan's National Electric Grid develop regional electricity trade by expanding transmission infrastructure with Afghanistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Afghan communities benefit cross-regional electricity project
April 25, 2021 - A bold energy venture will boost electricity and living standards for thousands of Afghans. The Central Asia-South Asia project, or CASA-1000, supports power trade between Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, and Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) project links 4 power grids
March 31, 2021 - When completed in 2024, the CASA-1000 project will allow Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic to export about 1,300 MW of surplus hydropower to Pakistan and Afghanistan by linking the electrical grids of the four countries.
WePOWER helps Bangladesh utility boost its female workforce
Sept. 19, 2020 - The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, a government-owned utility, aims to attract more professional women employees by offering technical training and changing the work environment to include daycare for children.
Nepal to use $100 million credit agreement to reform energy sector
June 24, 2020 - Nepal and the World Bank signed a $100 million development credit to improve the financial viability and governance of the energy sector and integrate Nepal's hydropower with the regional electricity market.
WePOWER network sparks action for gender equality in Bhutan’s energy sector
June 30, 2020 - Small steps by one woman can lead to big institutional changes. Just ask Kinley Wangmo, a human resources manager with Bhutan Power Corporation and new member of the WePOWER network.
Examining the Impact of COVID-19 in India Through Daily Electricity Consumption and Nighttime Light Intensity
June 23, 2020 - Daily electricity consumption and evening light intensity during a national lockdown for the coronavirus can proxy for economic activity in India.
VIDEO
VIDEO
Surplus electricity in 2 nations will go to Pakistan, Afghanistan
The Central Asia-South Asia (CASA) project is a first step toward realizing the potential for energy trade between Central Asia and South Asia. By linking the four national power grids, CASA will ensure a steady source of revenues to Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic that can be used to alleviate acute winter energy shortages and ease power shortfalls in Pakistan and Afghanistan during the peak summer season.
Publications
Pathways to Power: South Asia Region Baseline Assessment for Women Engineers in the Power Sector
Jan. 29, 2020 - This assessment was produced as part of a new regional network, WePOWER, that aims to help recruit, train, connect, and retain women working in the power sector throughout South Asia.
Off-Grid Solar Market Trends Report 2020
Feb 18, 2020 - At least 22 million small farmers in South Asia are not connected to the power grid and are potential users of solar water pumps. Bangladesh and India are incentivizing grid-connected farmers to adopt solar water pumps to reduce demand on grids.
The South Asia Women in Power Sector Professional Network - 2019 Progress Update
Nov 15, 2019 - More than 5,300 women participated in workshops, study tours, training events, student internships, and other activities in 2019 organized by the WePOWER network and its sponsors.
Data Analytics for Advanced Metering Infrastructure: A Guidance Note for South Asian Utilities
Oct. 8, 2019 - South Asia's power industry is on the cusp of a transformation driven by technology, environmental awareness, and customer expectations.A World Bank–funded study developed guidance for deploying advanced metering infrastructure and analytics systems.
Survey of International Experience in Advanced Metering Infrastructure and its Implementation
Sept. 23, 2019 - This report packages international know-how around the key steps South Asian utilities face in designing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Data analytics generated by AMI can lead to greater efficiency measures, policies, and regulations.
Mini Grids for Half a Billion People: Market Outlook and Handbook for Decision Makers
June 25, 2019 - Mini grids have the potential to distribute power to 500 million people globally by 2030. Afghanistan, Myanmar, India, and Nepal currently have the most mini grids, according to the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program.
Nepal Energy Infrastructure Sector Assessment
March 1, 2019 - Nepal needs a two-fold to four-fold increase in electricity investments to meet domestic demand and to realize its export potential.
How Would Cross-Border Electricity Trade Stimulate Hydropower Development in South Asia?
July 10, 2018 - This research paper finds cross-border transmission interconnections and regional power trading would promote hydropower in South Asia. The region has more than 350 gigawatts of potential hydropower, but only 20 percent has been exploited so far.
In the Dark: How Much do Power Distortions Cost South Asia?
Dec. 12, 2018 - Electricity demand is growing as South Asian economies expand. Inefficient generation, misallocated fuel, distribution losses, and inadequate pricing of emissions are limiting the power supply.
South Asia Regional Trade Integration Program Completion Report
Oct. 24, 2018 - A platform developed in the Central Asia South Asia Transmission Project (CASA-1000) helps Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan sell surplus hydropower to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The South Asia Regional Trade Integration Program supported the project.
Understanding and Assessing the Impact of Transmission and Distribution Projects on Electricity Access
September 2018 - Economic development in Northeastern India lags despite substantial estimated energy reserves and hydropower potential. The region has an underdeveloped power system, with limited access in rural areas and bottlenecks in the transmission network.
Lighting the Way: Achievements, Opportunities, and Challenges in Bangladesh's Power Sector
Dec. 1, 2017 - The report surveys the challenges facing Bangladesh's power sector today and makes recommendations to help the country reach its goal of universal access to electricity by 2021.
