B'desh to import 20 MW more power from Nepal

Kathmandu, Nov. 28: An agreement has been reached to export an additional 20 megawatts of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, which is currently importing 40 megawatts electricity from Nepal during rainy season since this year, has agreed to import a total of 60 megawatts of electricity from Nepal from the upcoming monsoon season.

The agreement was reached at the 7th meeting of the Nepal-Bangladesh Energy Secretary-level Joint Steering Committee (JSC) held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) had started exporting 40 megawatts of electricity commercially from June this year as per tripartite power sales agreement signed between Nepal Electricity Authority, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN), India, and Bangladesh. 

As per this agreement, electricity was exported for only about 12 hours on November 15, 2024. 

According to the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the two countries reached a six-point agreement after discussing issues including electricity trade, construction and development of hydroelectric projects, and the construction and management of cross-border electricity transmission lines between Nepal and Bangladesh.

The meeting was led by Chiranjeewee Chataut, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal, and Farzana Mumtaz, Secretary at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Government of Bangladesh.

The ministry stated that it is also agreed that Bangladesh would form an expert committee to evaluate projects and expedite the investment process for the Sunkoshi-III Hydropower Project, aiming to conclude the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) quickly.

The meeting further agreed to study the possibility of exporting electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh via transmission lines from Barapukuria, Panchagarh/Thakurgaon, Bheramara, and Kosmala through the Indian grid.

It is also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency after completing their respective internal processes. Under the agreement, Bangladesh will provide technical assistance to Nepal in areas such as energy testing, electric vehicle charging, and rooftop solar installations.

Additionally, Nepal and Bangladesh have agreed to launch a capacity-building programme. The first phase for the Bangladeshi side will be conducted in Kathmandu, followed by a capacity-building programme for the Nepali side in Bangladesh. The ministry noted that both countries have decided to take a joint initiative to seek India’s consent for the MoU between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh on cooperation in the energy sector.

The meeting also discussed the recommendations made by the Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting held on November 26.