Synopsis
Nepal and India engage in discussions regarding the construction of cross-border transmission lines, aiming to generate 16,000 megawatts of power by 2035, enhancing energy trade and security in South Asia.Key Takeaways
- Nepal and India are set to discuss five cross-border transmission lines.
- Objective to generate at least 16,000 megawatts of power by 2035.
- Key projects include the Inaruwa-Purnia and Dodhara-Bareli lines.
- Meeting includes representatives from multiple Nepalese ministries.
- Strengthening energy cooperation between both nations.
Kathmandu, Feb 11 (NationPress) The energy secretaries from Nepal and India are convening in New Delhi on Tuesday, focusing on the development of at least five cross-border transmission lines aimed at generating a minimum of 16,000 megawatts of power by 2035.
Leading a 12-member delegation, Energy Secretary Suresh Acharya will engage with Indian officials to finalize the framework for constructing these essential transmission corridors.
The discussions will emphasize facilitating smooth energy exports to India and Bangladesh, as reported by The Kathmandu Post.
Participants will include representatives from Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi, Nepal Electricity Authority, and the Department of Electricity Development.
Additionally, a meeting of the power exchange committee will occur to explore energy trade and pricing mechanisms between Nepal and India.
Last month, during the 12th Joint Working Group on Power Sector Cooperation, officials from both nations reached agreements on investment modalities and timelines for the five cross-border transmission lines.
Once completed, these projects will allow Nepal to enhance its energy exports to Bangladesh via India, supplementing the existing 40 MW being supplied.
Among the significant projects under review are the 400 kV Inaruwa (Duhabi)-Purnia (Bihar) and Dodhara (Lamki)-Bareli (Uttar Pradesh) cross-border transmission lines.
These two crucial lines are expected to be finalized within four years, with the Duhabi-Purnia line anticipated for 2027-2028 and the Dodhara-Bareli line for 2028-2029.
Three additional transmission lines are projected to be operational by 2035, including the 400 kV Nijgadh (Bara)-Motihari (Bihar) line, the Kohalpur-Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) line, and the 220 kV double-circuit Chameliya-Jauljibi cross-border line.
Sandip Dev, Joint Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Energy, indicated that the Chameliya-Jauljibi project is on schedule for completion by 2027, with a detailed project report anticipated by March.
"The meeting will endorse the construction of these cross-border lines and ensure compliance with the timelines established in previous meetings," Dev stated, adding that both parties have already reached agreements on investment modalities.
With India pledging to acquire up to 10,000 MW of power from Nepal over the next decade through a long-term trade agreement, the demand for high-capacity transmission lines has become increasingly urgent.
Moreover, progress is being made on the New Butwal-Gorakhpur Transmission Line, which will boast a capacity of 3,500 MW. This project was jointly inaugurated by then-Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2023.
As both nations enhance energy collaboration, these cross-border projects are poised to play a vital role in the evolving power dynamics of South Asia, bolstering regional energy security and trade.
