Click here for summary of Impact and Benefits of Power Trading in the South Asia Growth Quadrangle or
Click here for summary of Social and Economic Benefits of Regional Energy Trade: Bangladesh Perspective

Sponsored regional energy security report by independent regional experts that recommended actions for addressing regional energy shortages and hedging resultant risks to national economies. Actions include building/strengthening regional cooperation and trade; creating regional infrastructure linkages supported by SARI/Energy advocate networks. Key issues to be addressed include establishing large-scale energy projects with regional scope and impacts; implementing regional petroleum product procurement strategy; creating regional petroleum reserve; establishing regional energy training and equipment testing facility; developing and expanding renewable energy technology applications and exchanging information new clean energy, renewable, and hydrogen fuel technologies.

Supported legislation and policy development, and provided direct technical assistance and training to help establish new energy regulatory entities in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Championed regional energy trade throughout South Asia, creating a favorable environment for the regional energy ring concept adopted by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Supported policymaking and developed model agreements that have resulted in several signed power trading and investment MOUs between India and Nepal.

Facilitated forums and regional interactions between leading business associations that resulted in the formation of the South Asia Regional Energy Coalition (SAREC), which is actively championing energy reform and cross-border energy sector investment.

Promoted power trading in the “South Asian Growth Quadrangle” (Bangladesh, eastern India, Bhutan, and Nepal) that culminated in the signing of the MOU between India and Bangladesh allowing energy access between Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan via India.

Developed GIS and technology screening toolkits for renewable energy incorporating wind, solar, and micro-hydro resource information for planning and projection preparation. Currently used in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, to create rural energy platforms to provide electricity to remote villages.

Created a unique 4,000-member network of senior-level advocates, technical experts, and policymakers who are actively advocating energy policy reform and restructuring in their respective countries.

Produced and distributed critically important studies on energy security and the benefits of regional energy trade that have received widespread media coverage and influenced key decision-makers. 

Trained scores of professionals, supported policy development, and developed investment tools leading to the: (1) creation of energy service companies in Nepal; (2) implementation of energy-saving demand-side management programs by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA); and (3) establishment of a self-sustaining energy efficiency fund in Sri Lanka. 

Provided micro-venture funding for innovative technical and policy initiatives that promote cross-border collaboration between NGOs, academics, and think tanks on energy sector reform and cooperation issues. Noteworthy energy cooperation initiatives include alternative energy systems (hydropower and biomass), distribution loss reduction in rural electricity networks, electricity pricing, information technology based energy management, small wind systems, water-energy conservation, and standards for the micro-hydro sector.