In 2004, an Energy Ring which interconnected the electricity system of South Asia was announced, and this has been interlinked to the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation). While progress has been made through developing bilateral interconnection and trade, there remains scope for enhancing Cross Border Energy Trade (CBET) and regional energy collaboration in the countries of South Asia. Initiatives such as South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy Integration (SARI/EI) have contributed to building avenues for scaling up regional collaboration, research and capacity-building, but there are further opportunities for harnessing synergies and identifying best options for CBET, renewable and sustainable energy, and ensuring energy security in the region, including through scaling up actions on climate change and sustainable development.
This project aims to build capacities, strengthen collaboration, and enhance the understanding and scientific evidence base on issues of clean and renewable energy, climate change mitigation, climate action, cross-border energy trade (CBET), regional collaboration, energy security, energy access, and just transition in the energy sector in South Asia. It is envisioned to contribute to transforming the energy sector in a just manner from a fossil fuel-dependent sector to a carbon neutral one with sustainable, climate-friendly, and renewable energy sources, as well as to strengthen awareness and understanding of CBET.
SLCAN Trust is implementing this project in Sri Lanka as part of a regional Think Tank Forum supported by USAID through Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe). Other project countries include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, with project activities taking place from January to August 2022.
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