Water-Energy Equation in Central and South Asia: A Perspective from Tajikistan

Central and South Asia are connected in many ways. Water and energy have the potential to further strengthen these links. South Asia needs energy to fuel its development, while the waters of Central Asia can be used to produce the clean and sustainable energy needed by South Asia. The major rivers of both regions are transboundary in nature, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation is essential to tap their full potential. In Central Asia alone, the annual economic benefits of cooperation were estimated at 5% of regional GDP. Hydropower is a sector where potential for cooperation is high, both within Central Asia and between Central Asia and South Asia. The capacity of Central Asian hydropower generation capacity can transform the energy market in both regions; the chapter analyzes the specific needs of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India and the potential for further cooperation. Finally, this chapter discusses the main challenges along the water-energy nexus in both regions, particularly climate change and population growth, suggesting ways forward.