Nepal has commenced exporting electricity to Bangladesh, marking the first time the country has supplied power to a nation other than India.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) began exporting 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh. This electricity will be supplied via the Nepal-India-Bangladesh power trade network, utilizing the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV transmission line to India and further transmitted to Bangladesh through the Baharampur-Bheramara 400 kV line.
Nepal will sell the electricity to Bangladesh in US dollars at a rate of 6.40 cents per unit, earning approximately USD 28,160 for the 11.5-hour supply period today.
The exported electricity includes 18.60 MW from the Trishuli Hydropower Project and 20.40 MW from the Chilime Hydropower Project.
This milestone follows a tripartite agreement signed on October 3 between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh to facilitate power trade. The deal was signed by NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising on behalf of Nepal. Permission for the export was granted by India’s Central Electricity Regulatory Commission on Thursday.
Energy ministers from Nepal, India, and Bangladesh—Deepak Khadka, Manohar Lal, and Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan, respectively—jointly inaugurated the export via a virtual ceremony.
“This is a historic moment for Nepal’s power trade,” said Minister Khadka. “It showcases Nepal’s growing role in the regional energy market and the successful collaboration among neighboring countries.”
This arrangement underscores Nepal’s increasing capacity in hydropower generation and its potential to serve as a key energy supplier in South Asia.
