Severe Flooding in Nepal Disrupts Hydropower Exports to Bangladesh via India

The recent monsoon season has traditionally been a boon for Nepal, generating a surplus of hydropower that has allowed the country to support its neighbor, Bangladesh, which relies heavily on fossil fuels for electricity. However, catastrophic flooding that began on August 2 has severely damaged Nepal’s hydropower infrastructure, leading to a suspension of electricity exports to Bangladesh.

As of September 3, the devastating floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 1,250 individuals, have resulted in significant destruction to the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems. Reports indicate that 15 hydropower plants have been affected, leading to a staggering loss of over 750 megawatts of electricity generation capacity. In addition, nearly 900 hydropower workers are reported missing, highlighting the human toll of this natural disaster.

Shaligram Bhandari, a spokesperson from Nepal’s Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, confirmed to Dialogue Earth that the flooding has halted operations at the 22 megawatt Chilime and 24 MW Trishuli hydropower projects. These plants were crucial for supplying power to Bangladesh, and Bhandari indicated that the ministry has not yet assessed alternative options for power exports amidst the ongoing crisis. Power exports to Bangladesh have been officially suspended, as reported by Reuters.

This incident raises concerns about Nepal’s reliability as a hydropower exporter, particularly given its geographical challenges. Unlike many neighboring countries, Nepal shares no direct border with Bangladesh, necessitating the use of India’s transmission network for electricity trade. This dependency complicates Nepal’s role as a regional energy supplier, especially during times of crisis when infrastructure is vulnerable to natural disasters.

The recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by nations relying on renewable energy sources. As Nepal continues to grapple with the immediate aftermath of this tragedy, the implications for its energy sector and regional energy trade remain significant. The need for enhanced disaster preparedness and improved infrastructure resilience is now more critical than ever.

Source: scroll.in