Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024Robust growth is forecast for South Asia in fiscal year (FY) 2024, driven by strong gains in investments, consumption, and the electronics and services sectors. Gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at 6.3% in FY2024 and 6.6% in FY2025 in South Asia. In Bangladesh, GDP growth is projected at 6.1% in FY2024 behind the growth of traditional low-end garments. Bhutan's projected GDP is at 4.4% given major developments in the country's hydropower sector. In India, GDP is forecast at 7.0% in FY2024, after a strong momentum in manufacturing and services in FY2023 and with exports expected to pick up in FY2025 with the rise in global growth. Growth in Maldives is estimated at 5.4% in FY2024 supported by tourism and construction. Nepal is estimated to grow at 3.6% backed by hydroelectric production and domestic demand. Amid recovery efforts in Sri Lanka, modest growth at 1.9% is forecast for the country in FY2024. In Southeast Asia, Myanmar’s GDP is projected to remain low at 1.2%. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2024 Download Tags: South Asia, ADB, Hydropower, Tourism, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka Energy Trade in South AsiaCountries are shifting to using green energy sources to meet their energy needs and cut emissions. While South Asia may have ample renewable energy and hydropower resources, demand exceeds local supply, and the countries have had to rely heavily on imports. To help improve energy security in the region, South Asian countries have signed bilateral and multilateral agreements to trade energy, including India-Nepal hydropower projects and the India-Bhutan hydroelectric joint venture. Author: CUTS International Year: 2023 Download Tags: Energy, Trade, South Asia, Hydropower, Bhutan, India, Nepal Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2023South Asia is projected to grow faster than other subregions in Asia, with real gross domestic product (GDP) estimated at 5.5% in fiscal year (FY) 2023 and 6.1 in FY2024. Growth within South Asia is expected to vary, with India projected to grow by 6.4% in FY2023 and 6.7% in FY2024 behind strong domestic demand. In Bangladesh, GDP growth is estimated at 5.3% in FY2023 owing to global economic disruptions and 6.5% in FY2024. In Bhutan, hydropower production will push up growth to 4.6% in FY2023 and 4.2% in FY2024. Growth in Maldives is estimated at 7.1% in FY2023 and 6.9% in FY2024, supported by a boom in tourism and construction. In Nepal, growth will slow to 4.1% this year before picking up in FY2024 at 5.0% with a recovery in tourism and infrastructure. Sri Lanka is projected to contract at -3.0% in FY2023 before recovering to 1.3% in FY2024 premised on debt relief and key reforms. In Southeast Asia, Myanmar's GDP will rise moderately to 2.8% in FY2023 and 3.2% in FY2024. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2023 Download Tags: South Asia, Hydropower, ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019 Supplement, December: Growth Slows Further in Developing Asia’s GiantsDeveloping Asia's gross domestic product is projected to grow by 5.2% both in 2019 and 2020 as a slowing of global economic activity tempers regional growth, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019 Supplement. In South Asia, growth forecasts have been lowered to 6.1% in 2020. Strong remittances in Bangladesh will raise domestic demand, while in Bhutan, hydropower production rose to 3.1% in Q1 of FY2020 (ending 30 June 2020). Growth in India is expected to recover to 6.5% in 2020 with government policy measures, such as a corporate tax cutt and policy rate reduction. In Maldives, tourism remains strong. Foreign direct investments surged in Nepal while a recovery in economic activity is projected in Sri Lanka. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2019 Download Tags: ADB, South Asia, Hydropower, Tourism, Investment, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019 Update: Fostering Growth and Inclusion in Asia's CitiesGrowth in developing Asia remains strong despite the slowing down of international trade and a weakening of investments. In South Asia, growth momentum has slowed, with growth forecasts lowered to 6.2% for 2019 and retained at 6.7% for 2020. Growth in India has softened but is expected to bounce back to 7.2% in 2020. Bangladesh and Nepal performed better than projected. Bhutan’s growth slowed to 5.3% in fiscal year (FY) 2019 due to a decline in hydroelectric generation. Growth projection for FY2020 is retained at 6.0%. In Sri Lanka, growth forecast has been lowered for 2019 and 2020. Forecasts for Maldives is retained as tourist arrivals increased in the first half of 2019. In Southeast Asia, growth projections for Myanmar has been retained. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2019 Download Tags: Hydropower, ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka How Would Cross-Border Electricity Trade Stimulate Hydropower Development in South Asia?South Asia uses only 20% its hydropower potential, estimated at more than 350 gigawatts. This report looks at regional electricity trade and examines the potential of hydropower development and trade in the region. It studies the importance of improving cross-border transmission interconnections to promote hydropower in South Asia. It also shows that large hydropower development would provide the additional benefits of irrigation and flood control that can be shared among neighboring countries, such as Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Author: Govinda R. Timilsina Year: 2018 Download Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Hydropower, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, South Asia, Trade Asian Development Outlook 2018 Supplement: The Outlook Remains Stable South Asia continues to be the fastest expanding subregion, with growth on track to achieve forecasts of 7.0% in 2018 and 7.2% in 2019. India will meet April forecasts of 7.3% in 2018 and 7.6% in 2019. Owing to strong agricultural growth in Bangladesh and industry growth in Nepal, 2018 GDP growth in the two countries surpassed earlier forecasts. Decline in construction slowed Sri Lanka’s economic growth to 3.2% while hydropower production was lower than forecast in Bhutan. Cement, wood, and metal imports grew in Maldives. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2018 Download Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, Hydropower, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka Renewable Capacity Statistics 2018This publication provides statistics on renewable power generation capacity for the last decade. It gives figures for global capacity, capacity per region, and capacity per country, including those for Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Figures include those for total energy generation capacity, total renewable capacity, and capacity by energy source (hydropower, wind energy, solar energy, etc.). Author: International Renewable Energy Agency Year: 2018 Download Tags: Hydropower, Renewable Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka Nepal Energy Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road MapTo improve energy security and stimulate economic growth in the face of an unprecedented energy crisis, Nepal is accelerating the development of its hydropower sector. This report examines the performance of Nepal’s energy sector amid development constraints, and highlights government development plans and strategy. It assesses the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) future support strategy, which sees Nepal’s energy sector as a key driver of inclusive economic growth. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2017 Download Tags: Energy, Nepal, SASEC, ADB, Hydropower 100% Electricity Generation through Renewable Energy by 2050: Assessment of Sri Lanka's Power SectorIn 2014, Sri Lanka met its target of generating at least 10% of renewable energy (RE) in its electricity mix in. The following year, the share of large hydro and RE further increased, while the country’s use of fossil fuels in the electricity mix decreased. This report aims to help design mechanisms that would allow Sri Lanka to reach its goal of 100% RE in electricity generation by 2050. It looks at financial interventions needed for Sri Lanka to achieve its goal while examining technical and economic challenges the country will face in reaching its goal. This report is a co-publication of the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations Development Programme. Author: Manpreet Singh et al Year: 2017 Download Tags: ADB, Cooperation, Hydropower, Sri Lanka, Renewable Energy, Trade Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2017 Update: Sustaining Development through Public-Private PartnershipDeveloping Asia is forecast to expand by 5.9% in 2017 and 5.8% in 2018, a slight upgrade from projections in the Asian Development Outlook 2017. However, growth forecast for South Asia is downgraded to 6.7% in 2017. India’s growth remains strong and most South Asian countries are expected to meet or exceed growth forecasts from April. Exceptions are Sri Lanka, where agriculture was affected by drought and floods, and Bhutan, where geological problems have constrained construction on two large hydropower projects. Growth in Nepal surged in 2017 on earthquake recovery but is slowing as agriculture struggles, following severe flooding in August 2017. Inflation forecast in South Asia is lowered to 4.2% for 2017 and 4.7% for 2018. Favorable global commodity prices, good harvests, and prudent macroeconomics are expected. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2017 Download Tags: Asia, Development, Sustainability, Public Private Partnerships, South Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Agriculture, Bhutan, Hydropower, Energy, Nepal Renewable Energy Sector in Emerging Asia: Development and Policies (TIID Working Paper No. 1/2017)Rapid economic growth in emerging Asia has led to a critical increase of greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources would help reduce emissions. However, massive investment is needed to make that transition. According to this paper, targeted policy interventions are needed to facilitate trade and investment in the renewable energy sector and create “green jobs” in the low-carbon and resource-efficient sectors. Author: Masato Abe, Candice Lea Marie Branchoux, Jaewon Kim Year: 2017 Download Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Governance, Hydropower, Employment, India, Myanmar, Sustainability, UNESCAP Study for Development of a Potential Hydropower Plant in South AsiaRapid development in South Asia has produced a huge surge in energy demand. Nepal, with more than 83,000 megawatts of potential hydropower supply, can significantly increase the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region's energy security. This study highlights ongoing hydropower projects in Nepal, in particular, the Sunkoshi 2 Storage Project, which has the potential to become a regional hydropower plant in South Asia. It also emphasizes the need to expand the region's power transmission infrastructure to promote power trade, and updating of policies that govern cross-border electricity trade among countries in the region. Author: SAARC Energy Centre Year: 2016 Download Tags: Hydropower, Energy, Nepal, SAARC, Trade Economic Benefits from Nepal-India Electricity TradeThis report confirms Nepal and India's viable electricity export potential, and highlights how facilitating cross-border trade of electricity will benefit both countries. In Nepal, substantial economic gains can boost the economy and improve the well-being of its people—in 2045 under the accelerated power trade scenario, electricity trade revenue can bring in up to $9.8 billion. In India, gains from cross-border trade centers on lower electricity system cost—hydropower imports from Nepal will allow India to forgo some investment needed to meet its capacity demand. Furthermore, hydropower will complement India's solar and wind power generation, offering an affordable and convenient renewable resource to meet its evening peak demand. Author: South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy Integration Year: 2016 Download Tags: Energy, Trade, India, Nepal, Hydropower Envisioning Nepal 2030Nepal's National Planning Commission has undertaken the initiative to develop Nepal’s long term Development Strategy 2030 by engaging with international development experts, development partners, policy makers, and representatives of civil society organizations in the international seminar 'Envisioning Nepal 2030'. With the aim of serving as a guideline for Nepal’s graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2022, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the post-Millennium Development Goals era, and become a middle-income country by 2030, the seminar identified challenges and opportunities, and discussed how a fast-paced and sustainable inclusive growth could be achieved. In his opening remarks, Asian Development Bank Vice President Wencai Zhang, underscored the importance for Nepal to strategically position itself within a broader regional cooperation to transform itself from a landlocked into a landlinked country. Author: Nepal National Planning Commission Year: 2016 Download Tags: Nepal, Hydropower, Energy, Regional Cooperation Hydropower @ CrossroadsIndia has significant hydropower potential and can meet a demand of around 85 gigawatts, at 60% load factor. Increasing the country’s hydropower capacity could reduce generation costs and benefit both communities and industry. Hydropower also has the advantage of contributing very little to carbon emissions. However, only 41 gigawatts of hydropower capacity has been installed, accounting for only 28% of the total potential. Hydropower can play a crucial role in India’s sustainable development and energy needs given that it meets the criteria of sustainability, availability, reliability, and affordability. This publication provides recommendations that could be of use to policymakers and other interested parties. The book lays out the status of hydroelectric power in India and analyzes opportunities to increasing capacity. It provides recommendations with regard to market development, safeguard issues, financing, land acquisition, technical challenges, hydropower planning, and enabling infrastructure. Author: The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India and PricewaterhouseCoopers Year: 2016 Download Tags: Hydropower, Energy, India Electricity Consumption, Output, and Trade in BhutanThis ADB South Asia Working Paper examines the relationship between electricity consumption, international trade, and economic growth using an augmented production function framework. The findings show that Bhutan is energy-dependent and can promote economic growth through future investment in hydropower. More specifically, the results show that a 1% increase in (i) electricity consumption generates 0.03%-0.05% increase in output, (ii) total trade results in 0.5% increase in output, (iii) trade openness results in 1% increase in output. Author: Hooi Hooi Lean and Russell Smyth Year: 2015 Download Tags: Energy, Trade, Bhutan, ADB, South Asia, Hydropower, ADB RCI Unlocking Bhutan’s Potential: Measuring Potential Output for the Small, Landlocked Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan The hydropower sector has driven Bhutan's economic growth in the past two decades with growth rates averaging 7.9%. Yet, the economy has not been invulnerable to market fluctuations and external shocks. This ADB South Asia Working Paper analyzes how Bhutan can create sustainable and inclusive growth, alongside the continuous expansion of its hydropower industry. It examines how certain policies can impact Bhutan's potential growth over 2013–2030. Results show that higher investment in education, health, and efforts to diversify its economic base—including enhancement of new industries with linkages to regional and global value chains—can further drive economic growth and improve the country's living standards. Author: Sabyasachi Mitra, Sarah Carrington, and Anthony Baluga Year: 2014 Download Tags: Bhutan, Energy, Economics, Hydropower, ADB, South Asia, Sustainability, Global Value Chains, Economic Growth South Asia Energy Security: Challenges and OpportunitiesThe imbalance between the growing demand for energy in South Asia and the countries' uneven energy resources has led to weakened energy security in the region. Import dependence from outside the region has become a costly solution. As countries in South Asia move to expand their economies, fostering cross border energy trade and promoting energy investment opportunities could be a better alternative to resolving the energy deficit. However, energy cooperation within South Asia is challenged by major issues that could impede regional energy trade that is beneficial for all. Author: Bhupendra Kumar Singh Year: 2013 Download Tags: Energy, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Trade, Hydropower Energy Outlook for Asia and the Pacific: October 2013The Energy Outlook for Asia and the Pacific aims to support ADB energy sector operations
by providing stakeholders with an energy outlook for the region up to the year 2035.
It attempts to identify policy, social, infrastructure, and technology issues that must be
addressed to meet future energy need of ADB members in Asia and the Pacific. Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2013 Download Tags: Energy, Infrastructure, Renewables, Hydropower, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka Climate Action South Asia: Information Update No. 3 (The Economics of Climate Change in South Asia: Adaptation and Impact Assessment)Analyses show that the cost of early action on climate change in South Asia is lower than
the cost of damage brought about by climate change impacts. In physical terms, the region
will face water shortage and agricultural food production losses, which are vital to achieving
poverty reduction and other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2013 Download Tags: Economics, Climate, Agriculture, Climate Change, Environment, South Asia, Milennium Development Goals, Sustainability, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Poverty Reduction, Hydropower, Energy Climate Action South Asia: Information Update No. 2 (Economics of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in South Asia: Options and Costs)The study Economics of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Options and Costs in Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka reveals excellent opportunities in low-carbon green growth by pursuing resource- and energyefficient technologies that would lower emissions of greenhouse gases at low cost or even cost saving (benefits). Author: Asian Development Bank Year: 2013 Download Tags: Economics, Climate, Climate Change, Economics, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Energy, Environment, Sustainability, ADB, Nepal, Development, Hydropower |