New Delhi: Making an entry into the international energy market, Nepal has started its first export of electricity abroad through India's power transmission grid, said Dipak Khadka, Nepal's Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, in a post on X on Monday. He said that Nepal has begun exporting 40 MW to Bangladesh and 80 MW to Bihar in India and thanked Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar.
"We’ve begun exporting 40 MW to Bangladesh via the India Grid, unlocking a 5,000 MW market, and 80 MW to Bihar, marking Nepal’s entry into the international energy market. This highlights our energy surplus and commitment to regional energy security," he said in a post on X.
"Special thanks to Rt. Hon. Prime Minister @kpsharmaoli for your visionary leadership, and Special thanks to Hon. Shri @mlkhattar, Minister of Power, Government of India, Hon. Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of the interim government of Bangladesh, Hon. @SyedaRizwanaH, and Hon. @Arzuranadeuba for your unwavering support. This is just the beginning of Nepal’s journey as an energy exporter," Khadka said.
Earlier in October 2024, an agreement was signed between India's NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority and Bangladesh Power Development Board. India both exports and imports electricity from Nepal. It also imports electricity from Bhutan. Other than these two States, India's power transactions in the neighbourhood includes exports to Bangladesh and Myanmar. As part of its plans to prioritise cross-border power grid connectivity, it is planning to integrate its grid with Sri Lanka.
In April, power major Power Grid Corporation and Nepal Electricity Authority agreed to implement high-capacity cross-border transmission infrastructure to facilitate increased power trading.
Nepal is planning to rapidly expand its hydropower generation capacity. State-run SJVN Limited is currently developing the 900 MW Arun-3 project in Nepal's Sankhuwasabha district. Nepal is collaborating closely with India to expand its hydropower capacity, boost its generation and export surplus power to countries in the neighbourhood.
