If SAARC’s ‘Energy Ring’ plan sees the light of day, Bhutan will, in the not too distant future, export electricity to all SAARC countries, have gas pipelines, set up its own compressed natural gas technology and wind farms.

This came up during the recent meet of SAARC energy ministers in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on January 29. The ministers had agreed to enhance and strengthen the security, availability and reliability of energy in south Asia through the concept of an ‘Energy Ring’.

Energy Ring refers to the exchange of renewable as well as non-renewable energy and technology among the SAARC countries.

“However, specific decisions are yet to be worked out,” Lyonpo Khandu told Kuensel.

Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk told his counterparts that Bhutan strongly supported cooperation in the energy sector and welcomed all regional cooperation, aimed at finding appropriate and sustainable solutions to collectively overcome energy shortage, enhance security and address global warming concerns.

Lyonpo added that there were abundant renewable resources in the region like solar, wind and biomass, which are relatively untapped. “All SAARC countries are dependent on oil import and such commonalities offer huge scope for cooperation to meet our energy needs,” said the minister.

“But first we need to establish bilateral physical energy links, that can be used as SAARC energy highways. Bhutan already has established power transmission lines for export to India and the 10,000 MW initiative with GoI will further add to it.”

The chief engineer of energy department, Karma Tshering, said that, though the SAARC region is not gifted equally with energy resources, the ‘Energy Ring’ would benefit and ensure equal benefit through regional energy trade.

Source: Kuenselonline