Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has resumed exporting 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh through Indian transmission lines, marking a significant step in regional energy cooperation. This export, which began on June 15, 2025, is part of a five-month agreement that will continue until November 15, 2025. The electricity is generated from the 25 MW Trishuli and 22 MW Chilime hydropower projects, both of which have received approval for power export to India.
The exported power will be transmitted via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV transmission line in Nepal and India, and then through the Behrampur-Bheramara 400 kV transmission line into Bangladesh. The metering point for the electricity exported to Bangladesh is at Muzaffarpur, India. Under the terms of the agreement, NEA will receive 6.40 US cents per unit for the electricity exported to Bangladesh. The total export over the five-month period is expected to be 146.88 million units, generating approximately NPR 1.29 billion (USD 9.2 million) in revenue for Nepal. Bangladesh will bear all taxes and fees, including transmission line fees, leakage costs, and trading margins taken by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) after the Muzaffarpur point.
This power export is part of a broader effort to enhance regional energy cooperation. Bangladesh has included the plan to import 9,000 MW of electricity from Nepal by 2040 in its strategic roadmap. The integration of Nepal’s hydropower into Bangladesh’s energy mix is expected to contribute to Bangladesh’s goal of reducing carbon emissions to zero and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The tripartite agreement between Nepal, Bangladesh, and India represents a significant milestone in South Asian energy cooperation. It not only facilitates the export of Nepal’s surplus hydropower but also strengthens the energy security of the region. The successful implementation of this agreement could pave the way for future energy collaborations among South Asian countries, promoting sustainable development and regional prosperity.
As Nepal continues to harness its vast hydropower potential, the export of electricity to Bangladesh underscores the country’s commitment to regional energy integration and sustainable development. The ongoing collaboration between Nepal, Bangladesh, and India serves as a model for cross-border energy trade, demonstrating the benefits of shared infrastructure and cooperative agreements in achieving energy security and environmental sustainability.
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