Trilateral energy boost as Nepal resumes hydropower supply to Bangladesh via India
Dhaka, June 15
Nepal resumed its cross-border hydropower supply to Bangladesh via the Indian electricity grid at midnight, kicking off a new seasonal trade cycle under a landmark trilateral co-operation agreement.
"This season, the new season of power trade will start from midnight today. The agreement stipulates that power will come from Nepal to Bangladesh from mid-June to mid-November--the high-demand season in Bangladesh and the peak season in Nepal," Ghanashyam Bhandari, Nepali Ambassador to Dhaka, told reporters on Sunday evening.
"So, this is a pleasant occasion, and I'm pleased to let you know that this partnership has started," he added.
Nepal began supplying 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via India in 2024 during the high-demand season in Bangladesh. In 2024, as a pilot project, electricity was transmitted for just one day from Nepal to Bangladesh via India using hydropower.
In 2025, the hydropower supply from Nepal to Bangladesh via India continued throughout the entire season, from mid-June to mid-November. The Himalayan country in South Asia will supply 40 MW of hydroelectricity this season as well.
"Forty megawatts is absolutely nothing in terms of the growing energy needs of Bangladesh and, of course, the energy potential of Nepal," Bhandari said.
"But this is, even though it is a symbolic one, a milestone nonetheless. It is because this is the first of its kind in the subregion, and we are hopeful that this will continue to grow in the future," he added.
An additional 20 MW of hydropower supply, taking the total supply from Nepal to Bangladesh to 60 MW, has been agreed upon by both countries. The proposal is now with India for consideration, a Nepali diplomat said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is the kind of cooperation we need more of in South Asia. No politics, just practical solutions for energy security. But I hope India also benefits somehow—are we getting transit fees or access to some of this power for our northeastern states? The devil is in the details, as they say.
Good diplomatic move by India to facilitate this. Strengthens our ties with both Nepal and Bangladesh. The 60 MW proposal with India's consideration shows our strategic importance in the region. Hope this model extends to Bhutan too—they have even more hydropower potential!
Happy to see this happening! But I wonder about our own power situation in India. We have states like Bihar and UP that still face power cuts in summer. Shouldn't we prioritize our own grids before exporting capacity? Just a thought.
As someone from the power sector, let me explain: India's grid is interconnected, and this transmission doesn't reduce our capacity. In fact, it helps optimize regional energy use. During monsoon, Nepal has surplus hydro which India can also purchase if needed. Smart move by everyone involved! 👍
Excellent example of subregional cooperation! But I'd love to see more transparency on the pricing and transmission charges. The people should know how much India is earning from this transit. Also, environmental groups need to monitor if Nepali dams are being built sustainably.
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