Shama Mushtaq1*, Rida Rasheed1, Naveed Farah1, Sana Mehboob1, Qurat-ul-Ain2, Sumaiya Kanwal3
1Department of Rural Sociology, University of Agriculture
Faisalabad, Pakistan
2Institute of Home Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad,
Pakistan
3Govt Graduate College for Women, Karkhana Bazaar, Faisalabad,
Pakistan
*For Correspondence
shamsitara1226@gmail.com
This chapter provides an overview of
the water and energy demand, challenges, and prospects in South Asia. The
region faces significant challenges in managing its water and energy demand,
exacerbated by climate change. The report examines the water resources in the
region, including the rivers and groundwater, and the various uses of water,
including agriculture, industry, and power generation. It also discusses the
sources of energy, including coal, oil, natural gas, and renewable sources. The
report explores potential solutions to the water and energy crises in the
region, including integrated management strategies, sustainable practices, and
stakeholder engagement. Finally, the report provides projections for water
demand and highlights the need for a more resilient approach to managing the
water and energy challenges in South Asia. It also been discussed the energy
consumption and sources of energy in South Asia, as well as the challenges and
opportunities for transitioning towards a more sustainable energy system. The
region is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, but also has
significant potential for renewable energy. The chapter discusses policy
measures to promote sustainable energy development, including national targets,
efficiency standards, and cross-border electricity trade. The chapter
emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation in addressing energy
challenges and opportunities in South Asia. The chapter emphasizes the need for
integrated planning and management, stakeholder engagement, and policy
coherence to manage this nexus effectively. The energy sector is a significant
consumer of water in the region, while water is also required for energy
generation, particularly for hydropower. Strategies such as improving water and
energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, enhancing water storage and
management, and strengthening governance and institutions are crucial for
building resilience in the region. Regional cooperation is also essential in
managing the water-energy nexus, and a shared vision for a sustainable future
can lead to the development of sustainable solutions that benefit the entire
region. Overall, managing the water-energy nexus requires a holistic approach
involving multiple stakeholders and sectors, and effective management and
cooperation can build resilience and ensure a sustainable future for
generations to come.
Keywords
Population, Demand, Water Energy Nexus, Consumption, South Asia, Renewable Energy
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