KATHMANDU: In the first five months of the current fiscal year 2024–2025, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) exported power worth Rs. 13.04 billion.
The NEA used the enhanced generation capacity of the rainy season to export almost 1.76 billion units of excesspower to India between July 16 and December 15, 2024.
During this time, the average price of power exported to India was Rs. 7.39 per unit. The NEA carried out sales through medium-term agreements with Haryana and Bihar as well as the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) in the day-ahead and real-time markets.
Over the course of the five months, the NEA made IRs 8.15 billion from the sale of power to India, which was done in Indian rupees.
Shrawan (July 16–August 16) generated the most export revenues at Rs. 4.15 billion, while Mangsir (November 16–December 15) generated the lowest at Rs. 281.4 million.
Additional monthly export data are Rs. 1.87 billion in Kartik (October 17 to November 15), Rs. 3.68 billion in Bhadra (August 17 to September 16), and Rs. 3.07 billion in Ashoj (September 17 to October 16).
NEA Managing Director Kul Man Ghising stated that exports were disrupted following the damage caused by floods and landslides to the 456 MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project in late September.
The Upper Tamakoshi project ceased power generation on September 28, which, coupled with reduced production from other hydropower plants during the dry season, necessitated electricity imports earlier than expected.
Ghising went on to say that because of a dip in river water flow that affects hydropower output, electricity exports have now stopped while domestic consumption rises over the winter.
Exports are expected to resume as water levels increase. Through India, NEA has already begun transporting 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh this year.
The NEA's initial goal of Rs. 30 billion in energy exports for the current fiscal year is probably going to be impacted by the damage caused by floods and landslides to hydropower projects and transmission lines.
Floods in Maikhola had a particularly negative effect on the Kabeli Corridor transmission line, lowering export capacity in October and November and interfering with 200 MW of power output from associated installations.
The Upper Tamakoshi project's reconstruction is moving along, with completion anticipated by December 25. The Kabeli Corridor is now operational after undergoing repairs.
In order to ensure ongoing export prospects once generation recovers, NEA has secured clearance from India to sell up to 941 MW of electricity from 28 projects under competitive market and medium-term agreements.
Since winter has arrived, hydropower output has shifted to fulfill domestic demand, which has resulted in a major decrease in electricity exports. As the rivers' water flow rises in the coming seasons, NEA expects export levels to rebound.
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