The government has finalized the import of 40 MW of hydropower from Nepal, a significant development in Bangladesh’s quest for diversified energy sources. While Bangladesh doesn’t share a direct border with Nepal, the use of Indian transmission lines is necessary for electricity import, involving trading margin and transmission charges.
The agreed-upon price for Nepal’s hydropower to Bangladesh is set at 9 taka per unit, making it a cost-effective option compared to coal and oil-based power plants. Nepal’s 40 MW electricity import will cost Tk 650 crore in five years. The import agreement, finalized by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) for five years initially, aims to extend to 25 years eventually.
Additionally, plans are underway to import another 500 MW of electricity from India’s GMR Group hydropower plant in Nepal. Furthermore, there are discussions about exporting surplus electricity from Bangladesh to Nepal during periods of reduced demand in Bangladesh.