Dhaka:Nepal has resumed its electricity exports to Bangladesh following a suspension that lasted nearly two months due to flood damage affecting hydropower plants. The exports recommenced on Friday, with Nepal supplying 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh through India's transmission lines.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the resumption of electricity exports comes after a five-year agreement was signed between the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) on October 3, 2024. This agreement facilitates the seasonal export of electricity to Bangladesh.
The NEA's Executive Director, Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha, highlighted the significance of this development in Nepal's power trade. He mentioned that despite the damage to power plants and transmission infrastructure, the exports have continued from alternative hydropower projects. This was made possible after India's Central Electricity Authority approved the export of electricity generated by alternative sources to Bangladesh.
The suspension of electricity exports was initially triggered by severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi River on August 26, which damaged the Trishuli and Chilime hydropower plants. These plants had previously been authorized to supply electricity to Bangladesh. Under the revised arrangement, electricity generated by the Solu Khola and Kabeli B-1 hydropower plants has been approved for export.
The agreement outlines that Nepal will supply 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh daily from June 15 to November 15 each year. This export is made possible by the surplus electricity generated during Nepal's monsoon season, after fulfilling domestic demand.