Nepal-Bangladesh energy talk: discussion progressed positively to export 40 MW of power for the dry season

Kathmandu; The discussion on electricity sales between the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) has progressed positively, while ongoing discussions are taking place in Dhaka.

In discussions with the team including Managing Director (MD) of the NEA Kulman Ghising, who reached Bangladesh for talks, the progress is seen to be positive. Starting from the upcoming year, there has been an agreement to conduct expedited electricity sales (Power Sales Agreement) to export electricity to Bangladesh within the next two years. A team led by the NEA MD Ghising, and a valuation committee under BPDB held discussions in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday.

Ghising explained that detailed discussions from Nepal's side have been held on every aspect of the electricity sales agreement, and there has been consensus to swiftly finalize the agreement. 'BPDB has presented us with a proposal including the results of electricity sales based on their demand, as per their regulations and laws,' Ghising said. 'We have extensively discussed the details and proposals presented.

They are also awaiting approval from their higher authorities; the approval process and other formalities can be expedited. There is an agreement to purchase electricity from Nepal starting from the upcoming year,' he added.

The NEA has proposed to export up to 40 MW of power to Bangladesh annually for six months from June 15 to November 15. An agreement for electricity sales has been initiated for five years. Nepal intends to export electricity through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV cross-border transmission line to India's Baharampur-Bheramara line.