Trilateral power flow from Nepal to Bangladesh using Indian grid begins

Amid tensions with the new regime in Bangladesh, India has facilitated what is the first power transmission from Nepal to Bangladesh. The transmission was done using India’s existing power grid.

Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated the ‘power flow’ from Nepal to Bangladesh, along with Mohd Fouzul Kabir Khan, adviser, ministry of power, energy and mineral resources, Bangladesh, and Dipak Khadka, minister of energy, water resources and irrigation, Nepal.

The Nepal ministry of energy, water resources and irrigation hosted the virtual inauguration. Nepal and Bangladesh don’t share a land border with each other.

“The first trilateral power transaction has been carried out through the Indian grid,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The power produced in Nepal was supplied to the Indian power grid, which was further transmitted to Bangladesh.

In June last year, when former Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was visiting India, it was announced that the first trilateral power transaction from Nepal to Bangladesh would be facilitated through the Indian grid, with an export of up to 40 MW power.

A tripartite power sales agreement was signed in October this year between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, Nepal Electricity Authority and the Bangladesh Power Development Board. “The start of power flow is expected to boost sub-regional connectivity in the power sector,” the MEA said.