Power from Nepal begins to flow to Bangladesh via Indian power grid | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India joined Nepal and Bangladesh in inaugurating the former trilateral power transaction – from Nepal to Bangladesh via the Indian electricity grid – which will provide a major boost to energy connectivity in the region. With both Nepal and Bangladesh interested in long-term electricity trade, India had signed a tripartite agreement with the two countries last month to facilitate cross-border supply through an Indian transmission line.
Describing the inauguration as a historic event, the Indian government said the commencement of this flow is expected to boost sub-regional connectivity in the energy sector.
India, during former Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda”s visit to India in June 2023, had announced its decision to facilitate the trilateral energy transaction through the Indian power grid with exports of up to 40 MW of energy. The parties had expressed their commitment to enhanced sub-regional cooperation, including in the energy sector, which would lead to greater interconnections between the economies for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders,” the MEA said.
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal along with Bangladeshi Energy Advisor Fouzul Kabir Khan and Nepali Energy Minister Dipak Khadka inaugurated the electricity flow through a virtual event organized by the Nepalese government.
“This historic event marks the first trilateral energy transaction conducted through the Indian power grid,” the government said. The agreement between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and Bangladesh Power Development Board was signed in Kathmandu last month. The agreement had been postponed by a few months due to the political crisis in Bangladesh.
The energy supply facilitated by India is especially important for Bangladesh as the country faces persistent power shortages. “This green energy initiative promises industrial growth and regional prosperity,” Khadka said.
NEA plans to sell electricity to Bangladesh annually during the rainy season, from June 15 to November 15. Initially, Nepal will export 40 MW of electricity generated in the country to Bangladesh via India.
Expected exports are 1,44,000 megawatt hours and NEA estimates profits for the five months at $9.2 million, Nepalese media reported.