BSS-28 Indian transmission system can be used to import power from Bhutan, Nepal

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ZCZC

BSS-28

BD-POWER-IMPORT

Indian transmission system can be used to import power from Bhutan, Nepal

DHAKA, Dec 25, 2018 (BSS) – A new guideline of India has created a scope for Bangladesh to import power from other neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Nepal by using the Indian Power Transmission System and Cross Border interconnections.

The new guideline has also opened up opportunity to purchase power through Power Exchange which is not available in the existing guidelines of cross border power trade, said a media release.

Indian government has notified new guidelines for Import/Export (Cross Border) of Electricity recently.

The guidelines of India allow any company in Bangladesh to enter into agreements with Indian companies as well as with companies in the neighbouring countries to facilitate power trade, said Power Development Board (PDB) in the release.

“The new guidelines opened up opportunity to participate in power purchase from India through Exchange, which enables power purchase on the basis of 15 minutes time blocks on a day ahead basis. This will enable PDB to optimize its power procurement cost,” said the PDB.

These guidelines will be of a great relevance and benefit to Bangladesh to avail of power supply from among various options as these will further enhance the reliability and quality of power supply in the country, it said.

“Obviously, these will also be supplementary measures, since Bangladesh has also added a large amount of new power generation capacity in last ten years and is also working on a number of power generation plants to further enhance its own capacity,” said PDB.

Bangladesh has already a Bilateral Agreement with India under which about 1200 MW of power can be imported.

Infrastructure is being developed by way of proposed HVDC System at Cumilla which will enable further supply of power, it said.

“A power station having capacity of 1600 MW with a dedicated Transmission System is being developed and will be ready in next three and half years,” said the PDB.

BSS/PR/TAN/MRU/2018hrs