Nepal to increase electricity export to India by 180 MW

KATHMANDU: Nepal is set to boost its electricity export to India by an additional 180 MW starting Thursday, following approval from its southern neighbor.

The decision was confirmed by an official from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), who revealed that India’s Cabinet meeting had greenlit the purchase of more electricity from Nepal. The Central Electricity Authority of India subsequently instructed NEA to proceed with the necessary procedures.

Previously, India had authorized Nepal to export up to 452 MW of hydroelectric power generated from ten different projects via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line during the rainy season. With this recent development, the transmission line will now funnel an extra 110 MW of electricity into India.

Nepal’s increased export will comprise 110 MW of electricity generated by the Solu Khola (Dudh Koshi) and Dordi Khola hydropower projects, intended for sale to Haryana, India. The remaining 70 MW will be transmitted through the 132 KV Tanakpur-Mahendranagar lines, originating from the Upper Kalanga Gad and Chameliya hydropower projects in Nepal.

Last year, between June and December, Nepal successfully exported electricity worth Rs 11 billion to India. Nevertheless, the country has been grappling with a daily wastage of approximately 500 MW of electricity due to insufficient export capacity.

Nepal is steadfastly working towards its goal of generating 15,000 MW of electricity by 2030. Concurrently, India has set an ambitious target of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2070, underlining the critical importance of renewable energy in both nations’ energy strategies.