Nepal Prepares to Export 40 MW to Bangladesh from Alternative Hydropower Projects

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has moved ahead with preparations to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh from alternative hydropower projects after the Trishuli and Chilime projects were damaged by the Bhote Koshi flood. Nepal had previously agreed to supply 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh from the Trishuli and Chilime hydropower projects. Following the flood damage, the NEA has declared Force Majeure in accordance with the applicable provisions. However, NEA Executive Director Digdhar Kumar Shrestha said the electricity export agreement with Bangladesh would not be halted. The Authority is preparing to replace the damaged projects with alternative projects, including Upper Solu in the Solu Corridor. Since electricity exports to Bangladesh have to pass through India's transmission network, the NEA has initiated discussions with the Indian side to secure approval for the alternative projects. According to Shrestha, discussions have already been held with India's Central Electricity Authority, and approval is expected soon. Meanwhile, the country's overall electricity exports to India have also been affected by flood and landslide damage to hydropower projects in the Bhote Koshi corridor. Before the floods, Nepal was exporting around 800–1,000 MW of electricity daily to India. Following the damage to major hydropower projects, daily exports have declined to approximately 600–700 MW, according to NEA Executive Director Shrestha.