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As industrialisation, digital infrastructure and climate pressures reshape demand, companies are being pushed to look beyond how much water they consume and ask whether the wider systems they depend on can sustain long-term growth.
The region must strengthen grids and clean energy capacity to incorporate AI for efficiency, experts say. But in China, the technology is no silver bullet for decarbonising energy systems.
Laos’ dams and transmission lines are powering the region’s shift to lower-carbon energy. But its neighbours are also ramping up other renewables.
The country's energy regulator said data centres now account for 9.28 per cent of total electricity consumption, while prolonged hot weather due to El Niño is driving up cooling demand and forcing Malaysia to reassess its power needs.
#hydropower Opinion
Carbon & Climate
Who is responsible for Nepal’s tragedy?
The devastating floods in Nepal demonstrate what happens when reckless development puts climate-vulnerable communities in harm’s way. They also highlight a climate-finance system that is unable to provide the funds countries need in the immediate aftermath of such disasters.
Devastating flash floods in Nepal highlight the growing risks from melting glaciers and climate change, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen early-warning systems and greater accountability for climate-related disasters.
The latest evidence suggests that the Chinese scientific establishment understands the dangers of a planned Himalayan dam – the world's largest – more clearly than its political leadership is willing to acknowledge. With the livelihoods of two billion people at stake, the international community needs to weigh in.
After developing country governments invested hundreds of millions of dollars, CASA-1000 in Central Asia has effectively failed before transferring a single watt of energy. The international institutions that conceived, financed and promoted it must be held accountable.
Policy & Finance
Beyond resumption of China-India dialogue, unresolved issues persist
#hydropower Videos
A British conservation charity has turned to technology thousands of years old – the Archimedes screw − to provide electricity for lighting one of the historic mansion houses it looks after.
#hydropower Podcasts
In a region where large hydro projects and expanding biofuel plantations coincide with an upcoming coal phaseout, a laissez-faire approach could worsen existing inequalities and mar the success of a clean energy buildout.
Ambitious plans to transmit clean energy from India, China and Australia into Southeast Asia have been proposed in recent years. Eco-Business speaks with two energy experts on the prospects, challenges and ingredients for success.
Laos has announced the construction of two new coal plants for this year, despite growing evidence that coal power comes with significant financial risk. What is holding back the country from tapping its rich clean energy resources instead?
The clean energy sector’s poor human rights performance places its legitimacy at risk. Jessie Cato of the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre sheds light on how the industry can avoid labour abuse, land grabs and other violations.
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