In a landmark agreement that marks a new era in the energy sector of South Asia, Nepal and India have formalized a significant power trade agreement. Under this accord, Nepal will export 10,000 megawatts (MW) of hydroelectricity to India over the next decade. This agreement not only underscores the strengthening ties between the two neighboring countries but also represents a strategic step towards addressing the energy needs of the region.
The agreement was formalized during the Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting in Kathmandu, attended by dignitaries including Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and his Nepali counterpart N.P. Saud. This decision is seen as a milestone, providing a boost to the development of Nepal’s hydro sector and potentially narrowing its trade deficit with India.
Indian companies are actively involved in constructing or negotiating to build power plants in Nepal, which could contribute up to 8,250 MW to this goal. The move is not just commercially significant but also holds the potential to attract billions of dollars in investments in Nepal’s burgeoning hydroelectric sector.
Nepal currently produces more than 2,800 MW of electricity, with an additional 119.11 MW added to its national grid in the past six months. However, the domestic demand in Nepal is around 1,500 MW, and India currently imports approximately 600 MW of surplus electricity from Nepal. This has led to a scenario where more than 700 MW of electricity produced during peak seasons goes to waste. The new agreement assures a market for the existing as well as the forthcoming electricity production, requiring Nepal to ramp up its production capacity to between 20,000-25,000 MW to maximize the benefits from both domestic consumption and cross-border electricity trade.
Furthermore, this agreement is a part of a broader set of pacts signed between Nepal and India, encompassing various aspects such as economic relations, connectivity, trade and transport, energy and water resources, education, culture, and political issues. These include implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects, cooperation in renewable energy development, launch services for Munal satellite, and handover of post-earthquake relief supplies.
While the deal has been widely welcomed as a step forward in bilateral relations and regional energy cooperation, it has also drawn some criticism from rights activists and former bureaucrats in Nepal. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of this agreement on Nepal’s flexibility in managing its water resources, as hydroelectricity is intrinsically linked to water use. These voices call for wider national discussion and parliamentary oversight in decisions related to such significant national resources.
In summary, the 10,000 MW power trade agreement between Nepal and India is a significant stride in regional energy cooperation, promising economic benefits for both countries. It marks a shift in Nepal’s position as a regional power supplier and reflects a commitment to sustainable energy development in line with global environmental goals. However, it also brings to the forefront the need for careful deliberation and management of natural resources, ensuring that such agreements benefit the nation and its people comprehensively.