Nepal will export electricity to Bangladesh soon: PM Dahal

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has announced that a trilateral agreement will be established between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, with Nepal set to export 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh from this fiscal year.

During the inauguration of the Marsyangdi-Kathmandu 220kV double circuit transmission line and 220kV Matatirtha sub-station in Kathmandu on Sunday, PM Dahal stated that the long-term power trade agreement signed with India during his official visit has secured a market for Nepal’s hydroelectricity.

PM Dahal asserted, “An agreement has been signed to finalise the initial understanding. I am confident that this could be another significant and historic step for the development of Nepal’s electricity and to secure the market.” He added that the trilateral agreement between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh will be signed soon, which he believes will help expand Nepal’s electricity market.

Furthermore, he shared that an agreement has been reached with China to construct the Chilime-Kyirong transmission line to establish access to power trade with our northern neighbour. According to him, both countries’ respective mechanisms are taking the necessary actions for this.

Speaking about the need to continue developmental works, the Head of the Government stated, “Developmental works should not be halted under any pretext. Important decisions should be made to accelerate programmes and projects, maintaining a balance between development and the environment.”

On the occasion, he urged the concerned parties to be more practical rather than obstructive to the development works.

Moreover, PM Dahal informed that large reservoir-based hydropower projects will be constructed to address the seasonal imbalance observed in the electricity system.

According to him, the construction process of the 1,200MW Budhi Gandaki reservoir-based hydropower project, 1,063MW Upper Arun semi-reservoir based hydropower project, and 670MW Dudhkoshi reservoir-based hydropower project have been accelerated.

PM Dahal revealed that the financial management of the World Bank-led 1,063MW Upper Arun and Asian Development Bank-led 670MW Dudhkoshi reservoir-based hydropower project have reached the stage of completion.

Similarly, a feasibility study of the Karnali Chisapani 10,800MW project, which is of regional and national importance and has the potential to transform the country in the long term, is being carried forward through the Nepal Electricity Authority, he said.

According to him, the current government has implemented an action plan to increase domestic consumption of electricity produced within the country. He expressed his confidence that the action plan could provide guidelines to increase domestic consumption of domestically generated electricity.

He stated that around 98% of the country’s population has access to electricity. Preparations have been made to announce complete electrification in the country within one and a half years.

“It is a historic achievement that the foundation to ensure 100% electrification has been laid. It is a major milestone in Nepal’s development.”

The newly inaugurated transmission lines are designed to transmit electricity generated from the hydropower projects constructed along the Marsyangdi River corridor and upcoming hydropower projects to be built in this area to the Kathmandu valley.

The newly inaugurated projects are expected to meet the needs of the Valley’s residents for an adequate, reliable, quality, and safe supply of electricity. Additionally, these transmission lines are expected to contribute to further strengthening the integrated electricity system of the country.