Nepal resumed its cross-border hydropower supply to Bangladesh via the Indian electricity grid at midnight, kicking off a new seasonal trade cycle under a landmark trilateral cooperation agreement.
Seasonal Power Trade Begins
Ghanashyam Bhandari, Nepali Ambassador to Dhaka, told reporters on Sunday evening, "This season, the new season of power trade will start from midnight today. The agreement stipulates that power will come from Nepal to Bangladesh from mid-June to mid-November—the high-demand season in Bangladesh and the peak season in Nepal." He added, "So, this is a pleasant occasion, and I'm pleased to let you know that this partnership has started."
Historical Context and Progress
Nepal began supplying 40 MW of hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via India in 2024 during the high-demand season. In 2024, as a pilot project, electricity was transmitted for just one day from Nepal to Bangladesh via India using hydropower. In 2025, the supply continued throughout the entire season, from mid-June to mid-November. This season, the Himalayan country will again supply 40 MW of hydroelectricity.
Symbolic Milestone
Ambassador Bhandari noted, "Forty megawatts is absolutely nothing in terms of the growing energy needs of Bangladesh and, of course, the energy potential of Nepal. But this is, even though it is a symbolic one, a milestone nonetheless. It is because this is the first of its kind in the subregion, and we are hopeful that this will continue to grow in the future."
Future Expansion
An additional 20 MW of hydropower supply, taking the total from Nepal to Bangladesh to 60 MW, has been agreed upon by both countries. The proposal is now with India for consideration, according to a Nepali diplomat.
