On Friday, a landmark achievement in South Asian energy cooperation was realized with the inauguration of the first-ever trilateral power transmission project. Forty megawatts (MW) of electricity successfully flowed from Nepal to Bangladesh, utilizing India’s national grid as a crucial intermediary. This pivotal moment signifies a major step towards the creation of a unified South Asian power grid, a long-held ambition aimed at boosting regional energy security and fostering sustainable development.
The initiative was jointly inaugurated by prominent figures from all three nations: India’s Minister for Energy and Power, Manohar Lal Khattar; Bangladesh’s counterpart, Md Fouzul Kabir Khan; and Nepal’s Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka. The successful transmission was hailed by the Indian power ministry as an “important step” in building a robust and interconnected regional energy infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of synchronized national grid interconnections for seamless power flow throughout South Asia.
This groundbreaking project responds directly to Bangladesh’s persistent calls for a regional power grid, seeking access to the abundant hydropower resources of Nepal and Bhutan. The benefits are multifaceted, offering Bangladesh a more diversified and renewable energy supply, while simultaneously boosting economic development and energy security across the region. The import of hydropower will considerably increase Bangladesh’s reliance on renewable sources, significantly contributing to its sustainability goals.
The seeds of this collaboration were sown during a visit by Nepal’s former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to India in May 2023. Both nations expressed a strong commitment to enhanced sub-regional cooperation, particularly within the energy sector. This commitment culminated in a tripartite agreement signed on October 3, 2024, in Kathmandu, between NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (India), Nepal Electricity Authority, and Bangladesh Power Development Board. The agreement formalized the framework for this vital power transmission project.
This historic milestone is more than just a technological achievement; it’s a powerful symbol of strengthened regional collaboration and shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions. The successful implementation of this 40 MW transmission signals a pathway towards a brighter, more energy-secure future for South Asia, paving the way for greater energy trade and economic integration across the region. Future plans focus on significantly increasing the volume of power trade, further strengthening the interconnectedness and resilience of the South Asian power grid.
