Energising Connectivity between Northeast India and its Neighbours

Energy is a common thread that connects multiple areas of sustainable development of countries and sub-regions in Asia. In the drive to trigger and consolidate inclusive development, the North Eastern Region (NER) of India offers great potential as an electricity trading hub. This book analyses the multiple benefits of connecting the NER with neighbouring economies through cross-border energy trade. Supply and demand analysis under different connectivity scenarios shows that not only would NER–India be able to fully utilise the economic benefits of energy connectivity, but neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar could also keep carbon emissions in check by importing reliable and cost-effective renewable energy sources. In addition, those countries can reduce the energy security risks of serious supply gaps arising in the dry seasons. To harness the untapped energy potentials and make NER a robust economic growth pole, this report recommends initiating multi-layered interdisciplinary dialogues on tariffs and consultations on investment cooperation amongst the various stakeholders and development partners, both within NER states and outside India.