I think they mean a resource ripe for extraction. There is huge stored gravitational energy in that ice and water up so high, which is also exactly why it was such a disaster.

Potential as in possibility, not as voltage. It's an awkward phrase...

Huh? I mean, if you look at the actual damage reports you see quite a bit of energy taken of both Nepal and Chinese grids. Further deduction leads to the obvious conclusion that hydroelectric generation in the district is VERY important.