Nepal exports energy to Bangladesh for the first time through the Indian grid.
Economy Business
On November 15, 2024, Nepal initiated its first-ever electricity export by sending up to 40 MW of hydropower to Bangladesh, utilizing India's electricity grid. This initiative aims to enhance sub-regional connectivity in the power sector among the three countries.
- The inauguration ceremony was hosted virtually by the Government of Nepal (GoN) and was attended by Manohar Lal, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs (MoPHU) India, Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser, Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources, Bangladesh, and Dipak Khadka, Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Nepal.
- The agreement was signed between NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDP) in October 2024 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Main Points:- (i) The Government of Nepal formalized this initiative during the visit of former Prime Minister (PM) of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', to India from 31 May to 3 June 2023.
(ii) During the visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced sub-regional cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, with the goal of fostering greater economic integration and benefiting all stakeholders.
(iii) India assured that it will import 10,000 MW from Nepal in the next 10 years. India currently imports about 450 MW from Nepal and there is a proposal to increase this by 1,200 MW.
About Nepal
Prime Minister: Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli
Capital: Kathmandu
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