Renewable energy resources in South Asian countries: Challenges, policy and recommendations

In South Asia, a number of developing countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Maldives are looking into inexhaustible and repeatable alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro and biomass. Geographically, South Asian countries are located in a region of differ- ent climatic conditions such as tropical, humid etc. which provides easy access to a variety of renewable energy sources. The governments of South Asian countries have initiated renewable energy policies to encourage industries and individuals to employ renewable energy powered systems in power applica- tions. This article provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the renewable energy status in the South Asian countries, and it includes an assessment of the region’s renewable potential, current in- stalled renewable energy capacity. This paper gives a brief description about energy scenario, renewable energy potential and challenges in South Asian countries. The study also provides the renewable energy policies and recommendation in South Asian countries.