Kathmandu: In a major step forward for regional energy trade, Nepal has started the commercial export of 40 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh via India from Asar 1 (June 14). This marks the first long-term power export from Nepal to Bangladesh, following a brief 12-hour export trial last year.

The export will continue for five months until November 15, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The electricity is being transmitted from Nepal’s 400 kV Dhalkebar substation, passing through Muzaffarpur and Behrampur in India, before reaching the Bheramara substation in Bangladesh.

Energy Minister Deepak Khadka called the development a significant milestone. “Exporting surplus electricity to Bangladesh is a matter of national pride and a step toward Nepal's economic prosperity,” he said. He also emphasized that electricity has become a key sector through which Nepal can reduce imports and enhance its export capabilities.

The export agreement was finalized on Asoj 17 last year, through a tripartite deal between the Nepal Electricity Authority, Bangladesh Power Development Board, and India’s NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited. Under this agreement, the 40 megawatts being exported includes 18.60 MW from Trishuli Hydropower Center and 21.40 MW from Chilime Hydropower Project.

NEA Deputy Manager Subarna Sapkota confirmed that a total of 146.88 million units of electricity will be exported during this period, generating an income of approximately Rs 1.29 billion. The agreed selling price is 6.40 US cents per unit.

Meanwhile, NEA has also intensified electricity exports to India. From Saturday, it began exporting 200 megawatts to Haryana, up from the 185 MW previously exported since Jestha 18 (June 1). The export price for this electricity is INR 5.25 per unit, as per the bilateral agreement between Nepal and India.

Additionally, 80 megawatts of electricity is now being exported to Bihar, effective from midnight Friday. NEA is also actively participating in India’s real-time power market, trading surplus electricity through 400 kV and 132 kV transmission lines connecting Dhalkebar to Muzaffarpur.

With rising hydropower generation during the rainy season, NEA officials say that domestic demand is being met, and all surplus electricity is being exported to maximize national earnings.

The government’s Energy Development Roadmap 2081 envisions generating 28,500 MW of electricity by 2035, with 15,000 MW targeted for export, making Nepal a significant player in South Asia’s clean energy trade.