COP29: Yunus calls for South Asia power grid to harness Nepal, Bhutan hydroelectricity

Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government, urged the formation of a South Asia power grid to share hydroelectricity generated by Nepal and Bhutan.

He came up with the proposal during a meeting with the Social Business Group at the COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku on Wednesday.

Yunus highlighted the untapped hydroelectric potential of the Himalayan nations, which he said remains limited by a lack of grid connectivity between Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Nepalese officials estimate the country could generate up to 40,000 megawatts of hydroelectricity, which can help lessen the reliance of India and Bangaldesh on fossil fuels, said a spokesperson of the CA.

"Bangladesh can easily import hydroelectricity from Nepal as it is only 500 miles away," Yunus said, adding that such imports would also be cost-effective. He encouraged Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan to collaborate on creating a regional grid to facilitate this exchange.

At COP29, Yunus also stressed that Bangladesh prioritises water management to prevent flooding and support economic growth. "Water is our main environmental issue. We must manage it in a way that aligns with nature," he said.

He also discussed the Bangladesh Interim Government's initiatives, including youth development and educational reforms. A national youth festival is planned for January alongside the T20 BPL cricket tournament, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and IOC President Thomas Bach expected to attend. A women’s football tournament is also in the works.

The Chief Adviser also reflected on Bangladesh’s recent reforms following the July-August mass uprising, which ended the 15-year dictatorship of Sheikh Hasina, as well as ongoing COP29 negotiations on carbon credits.


mirmostafiz@yahoo.com