Energy inevitable for growth in South Asia

Islamabad: The leaders of business community and have reiterated the need tap energy potential in South Asia which is must for maintainable growth and economic revival.

These observations surfaced in a seminar titled, “Energy Cooperation in South Asia Commitment and New Dimensions” organized by SAARC CCI in New Delhi in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

After inaugurating the seminar, Gireesh B. Pradhan, Secretary Ministry of New and Alternative Energy, India emphasized for energy cooperation and stressed a shift towards alternative energy.

Vikramjit Singh Sahney, President Saarc CCI said that un-interrupted supply of energy at affordable price was needed to sustain this economic growth.

The region is faced with 50 thousand MW of electricity which needs collective efforts to transform South Asia from an energy-starved to an energy efficient region.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tariq Sayeed, former president of SAARC CCI said that South Asia has 150,000 MW of hydropower potential and .5 million MW solar and wind power potential but the region was faced with 50,000 MW shortfall.

Since the energy demand in the region would be doubled by 2020, there was dire need to invest in energy related projects, said Sayeed.

P.S. Bami, President India Energy noted that 300 million people only in India had no access to electricity despite the fact that India had more potential of energy production against energy demand.

Business leaders and energy exports including Mr. Kosala Wikramanayake, Mr. Subodh Kumar, Dr. Arbind Prasad, Mr. Mollah Amzad, Mr. Mr Ashish Khanna, Mr Nitya Nanda, Gyanendra L. Pradhan, and Mr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal also spoke on the occasion.