Under the auspices of the Training Institution Partners (TIPs) program of the first phase of the South Asia Regional Initiative on Energy (SARI/E), representatives of the Power Pool Development Group at Purdue University (Purdue) and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have completed two exchanges that have yielded solid short-term development and tremendous promise towards the long-term goal of developing a Power Pool of South Asia (PPOSA). During the initial phase of the BUET-Purdue link, two exchanges have been completed, during which extensive discussions and training have occurred. Representatives from each institution have collaboratively created a functioning regional computer-simulated model for electricity trade in South Asia. BUET representatives have been trained on the model Purdue has used successfully in its work on the development of the West African Power Pool and the Southern African Power Pool, and have inputed the initial data for a model of South Asia energy trade to be utilized for further research and examination.

Specific accomplishments to date include the following:

1. An initial collaboration has been established and a Memorandum of Understanding between BUET and Purdue has been signed (Appendix 1).
2. Purdue representatives traveled to BUET in July 2003 to: (1) attend meetings and make presentations to further develop the partnership and plans for the next 12 months and (2) participate in a SARI/E training program in Dhaka: Course 1.7 - Strengthening Energy Linkages in South Asia.
3. BUET representatives traveled to Purdue in October 2003, during which time: (1) BUET representatives were each provided with high-speed laptop computers, Purdue energy trade modeling software, and the training necessary to enter data from South Asia into the model; (2) presentations were made by BUET and Purdue staff, and extensive discussions occurred that addressed numerous important economic, technical, and political factors associated with the PPOSA; (3) further development of the work plan for the next 3-5 years was made; and (4) following valuable hands-on experience with the computer models, realistic outputs were derived by inputting relevant data from South Asia into the computer models.
4. Objectives and strategies have been identified for further modeling of energy resources and energy trade in South Asia.

Purdue and BUET are very eager to continue their collaborative modeling work and to build upon the progress they have made towards a work plan and long-term strategy for developing the decision support tools and political support that are necessary for implementing flexible trading options within the PPOSA.

1. Bowen, B.H., Sparrow, F.T., Yu, Z., and Granum, G., Benefits to South Asia from an Integrated Electricity Market Infrastructure, Paper presented at the South Asia Regional Initiative in Energy Training Program, July 19-23, 2003, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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2. Bowen, B.H., Sparrow, F.T., Yu, Z., and Granum, G., Economic Benefits From Integrated Electricity Markets, Presented at the South Asia Regional Initiative in Energy Training Program, July 19-23, 2003, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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3. Bowen, B.H., Sparrow, F.T., and Granum, G., Trading Arrangements in Power Pools Model Structure & Data , Presented at the South Asia Regional Initiative in Energy Training Program, July 19-23, 2003, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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4. Sparrow, F.T., Bowen, B.H., and Granum, G., Electricity Trade Analysis, Presented at the South Asia Regional Initiative in Energy Training Program, July 19-23, 2003, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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5. "Regional power grid could energize South Asian nations," Purdue Press Release, 12/5/2003

1. "A Continuation of Long-Term Electricity Policy Analysis for the Energy Markets of South Asia," a submission to the South Asia Regional Initiative, SARI/Energy Phase 2, through the Institute of International Education, IIE, for USAID funding, December 2003.
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