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Dhaka Friday,  Mar 29, 2024

Bangladesh Wants To Export Electricity To Nepal In Winter, Import In Summer

Bangladesh has offered to export electricity to Nepal in the winter season and import its hydropower in summer.

In a bilateral meeting with Nepal delegates today, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid placed the proposal, according to a ministry press release.

On the other hand, Pampha Bhusal, Nepali Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, urged Bangladesh to invest in Nepal to harness its hydropower potentials.

The press release said, Bangladesh is importing power from India and finalised the procedure to import hydropower from Nepal. It is also in the procedure to sign a memorandum with Bhutan to import hydropower.

Nasrul Hamid said Nepal faces low power production in the winter season. If they import power from Bangladesh, both the countries will be benefited, he added.

He also said it is possible to increase the use of renewable energy through regional cooperation.

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s vision is for ensuring 50 percent electricity from renewable energy and clean energy sources by 2040,” he told a bilateral meeting with Nepalese delegates at his ministry conference room.

Nasrul Hamid said that power division has been working towards the goal of generating electricity 50 percent renewable energy and clean energy by 2040.

“In this case, cooperation of neighbouring countries Nepal and Bhutan will play a vital role to generate renewable engery,” he added.

A nine-member delegation led by Nepalese Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Pampa Vusal held the meeting with Bangladesh’s seven-member team comprising Nasrul Hamid.

During the meeting, they discussed various bilateral issues alongside mutual interest.

Nasrul Hamid said, “We can import surplus electricity from Nepal during the summer and monsoon seasons, while Nepal can import power from Bangladesh in winter season as Nepalese power generation decline in winter and through this both the countries will get benefit.”

During the summer-monsoon season, Nepal’s hydropower capacity stands at 43,000 MW.

Nepalese minister called on Bangladesh to invest in Nepal to harness its potential for hydropower.

He also lauded the steps taken by the present government to develop the power sector.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh is importing electricity from India and process of importing hydropower from Nepal is almost final stage, while a memorandum of understanding for importing hydropower from Bhutan is in the process.

Power secretary Md Habibur Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Power Development Board Mahbubur Rahman and Director General of Power Cell Mohammad Hossain were present at the bilateral meeting.

Nepalese National Planning Commission member Surendra Lab Karna and Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Secretary Devendra Karki along with other representatives were present at the meeting.

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