"Nepal-India" adds another spark to electricity trade, supplying an additional 180 megawatts of electricity to India

India has agreed to increase its electricity imports from Nepal by an additional 180 megawatts, bringing the total approved export capacity from Nepal to 632 megawatts for the Indian market. The process for exporting this additional electricity will commence soon, as confirmed by the relevant authority.

Specifically, India has approved the import of 70 megawatts of electricity from Western Nepal through the Tanakpur border, and an additional 110 megawatts will be supplied to the state of Haryana through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur 400 kV transmission line under a mid-term agreement. Nepal plans to export 83 megawatts from the Solukhumbu Dudhkoshi Project and 27 megawatts from the Lamjung Dorde Corridor. Additionally, the export will include 37 megawatts from the upper Chameliya and 33 megawatts from the upper Kaligandaki hydropower projects in Tanakpur. This marks the first time electricity will be exported from Tanakpur.

This development is part of a broader initiative, with India approving a memorandum of understanding for mid-term and long-term electricity trade between Nepal and India during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda's visit to China. Notably, India's Cabinet has recently given the green light to purchase 10,000 megawatts of electricity from Nepal over the next decade, a proposal presented by the Indian Ministry of Power and approved in a relatively short period. India's decision is seen as a strategic move, possibly aimed at signaling its interest in Nepal's energy sector amid the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Prachanda to China, where energy discussions are expected to be significant. This decision is also viewed as an effort by India to maintain its influence in Nepal, particularly during a period of diplomatic activity in the region.

Nepal can supply electricity to India only by adhering to the established procedure for obtaining approval and facilitating the import/export of electricity as outlined by the designated authority. This procedure outlines the steps and requirements for India to engage in electricity trade with its neighboring countries.