Nepal begins 38MW hydropower export to Bangladesh

Nepal began 38MW hydropower export to Bangladesh via India at 12pm today (15 June).

Confirming the matter, Bangladesh Power Development Board's (BPDB) Director of Public Relations Shamim Hasan said, "We are receiving an average of 38MW of hydropower from Nepal since 12pm today."

According to the deal, Bangladesh will receive 40MW of electricity from Nepal from 15 June to 15 November.

The electricity price will be around Tk7 per unit, including the Indian transmission charge.

Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan earlier said all the necessary preparations have been finalised to receive electricity from Nepal.

"We will receive electricity from Nepal for five months, from 15 June to 15 November," he said.

Ministry sources said Bangladesh is also looking for the scope to export electricity to Nepal in the winter season, as Nepal at that time struggles with generating electricity because of heavy snow in the river.

Due to reduced consumption in the winter in Bangladesh, policymakers think that Bangladesh can start exporting a similar amount of electricity to Nepal, which will ultimately create a balance in trade.

Asked about the matter, Fouzul said, "We will send a proposal to Nepal to take electricity from Bangladesh during the winter season."

"To discuss the issue, we will send a letter to the power and energy minister to visit Bangladesh so that we can start talking about possible electricity exports to Nepal," he said.

Earlier on 3 October 2024, BPDB, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) of India signed the tripartite power sales agreement in Kathmandu to finalise electricity import from Nepal via India.