Kathmandu: Nepal’s electricity exports to Bangladesh have been suspended after severe flooding in the Bhotekoshi River damaged power generation and transmission infrastructure of several hydropower projects in Rasuwa. The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) said the flood’s direct impact on electricity generation has also forced a reduction in power exports to India.
Nepal had been exporting 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh generated from the Chilime and Trishuli hydropower projects. The exports were halted after the Bhotekoshi flood damaged infrastructure at these projects, which had been designated under the Nepal-Bangladesh power export agreement.
Nepal had received approval to export up to 1,200 MW of electricity to India and Bangladesh combined. However, extensive flood damage to hydropower projects in Rasuwa and Nuwakot has significantly reduced the availability of exportable electricity.
A total of 12 hydropower projects, including both NEA-owned and private-sector projects, have been affected by the flood. Damage has been reported not only at projects under construction but also at operational plants. Power export capacity is expected to remain under pressure until generation resumes at the affected facilities.
In addition to damaging project infrastructure, the flood has complicated search and rescue operations for workers and staff employed at under-construction hydropower projects.
Nepalpurbadhar
