6 March 2013: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a report on the costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in South Asia, titled “Economics of Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in South Asia: Options and Costs.” The report synthesizes the results of studies conducted under an ADB technical assistance activity on the Regional Economics of Climate Change in South Asia Phase 1 (RECCSA 1) in five countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The 102-page study estimates GHG emissions out to 2030 under an expected energy-use mix scenario, including the penetration of some clean technologies, and the impact of a carbon tax. The study highlights the potential of cost-effective technologies including energy-efficient lamps, air conditioners, solar and electrical cookstoves, energy efficient industrial electric motors and diesel boilers, and efficient diesel tractors in agriculture.

The study finds that development of large-scale clean energy resources to reduce carbon intensity and GHG emissions can be achieved by prioritizing investments in technologies across sectors with low incremental abatement costs and other co-benefits. The study recommends investments in: the promotion of energy efficiency and development of renewable energy; low-carbon transport infrastructure; urban services, including employing cost-effective and income-generating waste management mechanisms; energy-efficient buildings and other infrastructure; and energy-efficient and renewable energy-powered irrigation pumps.

The study concludes that regional energy cooperation and trade, as well as south-south and north-south cooperation on technology and knowledge sharing, will pave the way for low-carbon and green development in South Asia. [ADB Press Release] [Publication website and summary] [Publication: Economics of Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in South Asia: Options and Costs]