In line with Vision-2040, the power division has been working to generate 50 per cent of electricity from clean energy, State Minister for Energy, Power and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said while mentioning the possibility of boosting the production of renewable energy through regional cooperation.
In this case, the neighbouring country Nepal and Bhutan will play an important role in clean electricity production, Nasrul Hamid remarked during a bilateral meeting with Nepal's Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Pampha Bhusal at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
A nine-member delegation led by Pampha Bhusal and an eight-member delegation led by Nasrul Hamid attended the meeting where they discussed issues of mutual interest between the two countries.
“We can import surplus electricity from Nepal during the summer monsoon. During winter when Nepal’s power generation declines, they can import surplus electricity from Bangladesh,” the state minister said.
During the summer monsoon season, Nepal's hydropower capacity stands at 43,000 MW, he mentioned.
Pampha Bhusal asked Bangladesh to invest in his country’s potential for hydropower. He also praised the initiatives of the Bangladesh government to develop the power sector.
At present, Bangladesh is importing 1000MW electricity from India. The process of importing hydropower from Nepal has also nearly been made final. Plus, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for import hydropower from Bhutan is in the process of being signed.
Power Division Secretary Habibur Rahman, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) Chairman Mahbubur Rahman, and Power Cell Director General Mohammed Hossain represented Bangladesh in the Bilateral meeting. On the other hand, National Planning Commission member Surendra Labh Karna and Secretary of Energy Devendra Karki represented the Nepal side.
