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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Energy & Infrastructure

Nepal begins 40 MW electricity exports to Bangladesh using Indian grid

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Nepal began exporting 40 MW of hydropower to Bangladesh on June 15, utilizing an Indian transmission line.
  • The annual export, agreed upon in a tripartite deal, will continue until November 15.
  • India cited transmission capacity constraints for not allowing an additional 20 MW export initially planned for 2025.

Nepal has commenced its second year of electricity exports to Bangladesh, beginning with 40 megawatts from midnight on June 15. This power flow, facilitated through an Indian transmission line, will continue until November 15 under a tripartite agreement. The deal marks a significant step in energy trade between the two South Asian nations.

While this year's export is established, a planned increase of 20 MW for 2025 faces hurdles. India has indicated that current transmission capacity limitations prevent the additional export. Nepal's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, stated that Nepal has the potential to export up to 400 MW to Bangladesh, but this would require further discussions and development of transmission infrastructure.

This is a milestone for Nepal-Bangladesh energy trade.

— Ghanshyam BhandariAmbassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari commented on the significance of the energy trade at a diplomatic reception.

The agreement in principle for the 40 MW export was reached in January 2024 between Nepal and Bangladesh, with India's Joint Steering Committee on Energy Secretary-level talks paving the way. A subsequent meeting on October 2, 2024, and a formal tripartite agreement on October 3 solidified the annual export arrangement. The successful initiation of exports underscores Nepal's growing hydropower capabilities and its efforts to expand regional energy trade.

This will need further discussion and transmission capacity development.

— Ghanshyam BhandariAmbassador Ghanshyam Bhandari explained the requirements for increasing electricity exports beyond the current capacity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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