Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Hydropower and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, announced that Nepal is set to earn Rs 1.25 billion within five months through energy exports to Bangladesh. This statement was made during a program organized by the ministry, where Minister Khadka detailed that Nepal is exporting 40MW of power to Bangladesh daily, generating Rs 250 million each month.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) initiated electricity sales to Bangladesh starting midnight on Saturday for the current season. The electricity is being transmitted via an Indian transmission line. Although Nepal officially began exporting energy to Bangladesh on November 15 last year, it was limited to a brief supply period of 11 and a half hours.
A trilateral power agreement involving Nepal, India, and Bangladesh was signed on October 3, 2024. Under this agreement, power exports were conducted for only one and a half months during the previous season. The current season’s exports began just yesterday and will continue until November 15. The surplus power generated during the monsoon season is exported to both India and Bangladesh, contributing to Nepal’s economic growth. Minister Khadka emphasized that the energy sector is crucial for sustainable economic growth, with the government focusing on enhancing internal consumption reliability and safety.
In addition, Minister Khadka shared that the government is progressing with major projects like Budhigandaki and Upper Arun Hydropower, which are expected to lay a strong foundation for prosperity. The government also plans to offer shares ranging from Rs 200,000 to Rs 500,000 to impoverished households in the hydropower project areas.
The energy export, which commenced last night, will see Nepal exporting over 146.8 million units of electricity until November 15 for this season. The electricity is transmitted to the Bherbara Substation in Bangladesh via Mujafarpur in India from Nepal’s 400-KV Dhalkebar Substation.
During the program, Ministry Secretary Suresh Acharya mentioned ongoing discussions to increase the energy export volume to Bangladesh. NEA’s Executive Director, Hitendra Dev Shayka, remarked on Nepal’s entry into the era of energy trade, highlighting the significant revenues being generated.