On Wednesday, Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Krishan Pal Gurjar, along with Md Fouzul Kabir Khan, Adviser to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Nepali Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka, inaugurated the power flow transaction, facilitated through the Indian grid.
As per a press statement, this cross-border power trade between Nepal and Bangladesh, utilizing the Indian transmission network, will facilitate the export of up to 40 MW of electricity.
The power trade agreement was initially announced in June 2023, during the official visit of former Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to India, which took place from May 31 to June 3.
During the visit, both countries emphasized their commitment to enhancing sub-regional cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. This collaboration is expected to foster greater interlinkages between the economies, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.
Commenting on the inauguration, Minister Gurjar highlighted the mutual benefits of this agreement for all three countries. He stated, “The power departments of the three countries have entered into an agreement, the Regional Cooperation for Power Purchase Sale and Distribution and Transmission, wherein Nepal has agreed to supply 40 MW of hydropower to Bangladesh via India’s transmission grid. I believe this arrangement will be advantageous for all parties involved.”
Further cementing this collaboration, a tripartite power sales agreement was signed in October this year in Kathmandu by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, the Nepal Electricity Authority, and the Bangladesh Power Development Board.
The initiation of power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh through India is a significant step towards strengthening sub-regional connectivity in the power sector, as noted in the statement.
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