KATHMANDU: Nepal has reached an agreement with India to export 600 megawatts (MW) of electricity (technically) from the cross-border Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line.

Nepal and India reached an understanding in this regard at a meeting of the Joint Technical Committee (JTC) held at the level of joint secretaries of the two countries Monday.

Director-General of the Department of Electricity Development (DoED) Sandeep Kumar Dev, who led the Nepali side in the JTC meeting, said it has been agreed that Nepal could export 600 MW of feasible power.

As the Indian side was apprised of the latest developments, including the 220 kV Khimti Dhalkebar transmission line coming into operation, optimum power generation from Upper Tamakoshi (456 MW) and an additional 500 MW power in the making by July 2022, the Indian side agreed that Nepal could technically export 600 MW of power.

DoED Director-General Dev said though the capacity of 400 KV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line was only 350 MW, the JTC meeting approved upgradation of capacity to 600 MW. “After going through all the technical aspects, it was agreed to maintain the capacity of the line at 600 MW.”

The meeting also agreed to gradually upgrade the capacity of the 400 kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line in the days to come as Nepal upgrades its internal transmission lines and other power infrastructure. Currently, three transformers of 315 MVA capacity have been installed in Dhalkebar.

Accordingly, Nepal agreed to set up Special Protection System (SPS) to increase export-import capability while maintaining reliable supply and quality of electricity.