Nepal, India agree to form a joint hydropower development committee

Nepal and India have agreed to form a Joint Hydro Development Committee (JHDC) to further explore the development of viable hydropower projects in Nepal with particular focus on storage projects.

The two sides reached an agreement in this regard during the 9th Meeting of Nepal-India Joint Working Group meeting on Power Sector Cooperation that concluded in Kathmandu on Friday, according to a press release issue released by Indian Embassy.

“The Indian side also acknowledged the recent enhancement in the installed power generation capacity in Nepal that paves the way for stronger and mutually beneficial cooperation in the power sector.”

Nepal and India held the 9th meetings of the Joint Working Group (JWG, Joint Secretary level) and the Joint Steering Committee (JSC, Secretary level) on bilateral power sector cooperation in Kathmandu on 23 and 24 February, 2022, respectively. “The two mechanisms provide the necessary framework to support bilateral cooperation in power sector.”

“During the JSC and JWG meetings, the two sides reaffirmed that power sector cooperation is a strong pillar of Nepal India partnership and agreed to pursue it along the following axes: joint development of generation projects in Nepal, joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure, power trade under respective domestic regulations and policy framework, and capacity building assistance.”

The apex JSC meeting was co-chaired by Alok Kumar, Power Secretary, Government of India and Devendra Karki, Energy Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Government of Nepal.

“Indian side during the meeting briefed the Nepali side on recent developments in India’s power sector scenario, including installation of a large renewable energy capacity and the achievement of “One Nation, One Grid, One Market,” reads the press release. “Nepali side briefed the Indian side on the recent developments and future trends in power generation, transmission and demand scenario in Nepal.”

The two sides decided to continue the discussions on the subject towards expeditious follow-up and agreed to meet soon for the next sessions of the JSC/JWG meetings to be hosted by the Indian side.

Prior to the JSC meeting, Power Secretary Alok Kumar also called on Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba and Mister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Ms. Pampha Bhusal.

Meanwhile, IPPAN (Independent Power Producers’ Association) has issuing a statement welcomed the decision taken by Nepal – India Energy Secretary Level meeting.  These decisions will add new dimension to Nepal – India power trade and further strengthen cordial relations existing between the two countries, IPPAN said in the statement. This will  also lay foundation for exporting Nepal’s electricity to Bangladesh, pointed out IPPAN.