Nepal signs power export deal with Bangladesh and India

Nepal signed an agreement with Bangladesh to export 40 megawatts of hydroelectricity via India as the Himalayan nation seeks to tap into its snow-fed rivers to power its economy.

Currently Nepal has installed capacity of over 3,200 megawatts from over 150 projects, with another over 200 projects under construction. Landlocked Nepal first began exporting electricity to India on a smaller scale in late 2021.

The government approved a new policy this year allowing the construction of dams that could affect previously protected areas, including forests, nature reserves and tiger habitats. Nepal's hydropower projects also face the risk of damage from floods and landslides, which are already common and are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change.