In a meeting with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Bangladeshs Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud expressed Bangladeshs interest in importing electricity from Bhutan, mentioning ongoing discussions about the potential import of hydropower from Bhutan and the anticipated cooperation of India in the process. Minister Mahmud made these remarks following a courtesy call with HE Wangchuck at a hotel in Dhaka on March 25, 2024. The visit of King Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema to Dhaka coincided with Bangladeshs Independence Day celebrations, during which they were warmly welcomed by President Mohammed Shahabuddin upon their arrival at the airport.
Previously, during the state visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in September 2022, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi agreed to facilitate the import of electricity to Bangladesh through India. Trilateral discussion among Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India, is underway.Bangladesh plannedin 2023 to import around 1,500MW of electricity from Bhutan initially.An initiative has been launched to import hydroelectric power from Bhutan. A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is in its final stages of development between Bangladesh, India, and Bhutan. This agreement aims to facilitate the joint investment for the construction of a power plant.
Bhutan had an installed capacity of 2,335MW, representing 7 percent of the countrys total hydropower potential. In 2021, the total generation amounted to 11,059GWh, with 73.9 percent or 8,178.38GWh exported to India. At the time, three hydropower projects - Puna-I, Puna-II, and Nikachhu - were underway, with expectations for their commissioning by July 2028, December 2024, and December 2023, respectively.Similarly, three mini hydropower projects - Burgangchhu (54MW), Yungichhu (32MW), and Suchhu (18MW) - were scheduled for commissioning by December 2024, March 2025, and July 2024, respectively, according to the governments plans.
To comprehend the characteristics of importing energy from Bhutan, it is essential to grasp the nature of energy cooperation between India and Bhutan. The energy collaboration between these two nations is deeply rooted in a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership, primarily centered around hydroelectric power.
The direction of electricity exchange between India and Bhutan varies according to the season. In the summer, Bhutan exports electricity to India, while in the winter, Bhutan imports electricity from India. Particularly during the wet season, there is a significant volume of electricity traded between India and Bhutan. The monsoon season, characterized by increased water levels in Bhutan, results in heightened electricity flows, notably during the months of June, July, and August. However, from August to December, there is a gradual decline in electricity trade due to the onset of winter. Bhutan experiences drier winters with reduced average rainfall and higher electricity demand for heating purposes.
Over the years, exports from Bhutan have seen a notable increase, rising from 1,460.5 GWh in 2000 to 6,182.5 GWh in 2019. Simultaneously, there has been a consistent rise in imports from Bhutan by India, attributed to Bhutans substantial hydropower energy production. Indias investment in numerous hydropower plants in Bhutan aims to access low-cost renewable electricity available in the country, yielding mutual benefits for both nations.
Bhutan and India are linked through five distinct transmission lines, functioning across two regions within India: the Northeastern region and the Eastern region. The transmission lines facilitating connection with the Eastern Region (ER) include the 400kV Mangdechhu-Alipurduar 1&2 lines.Bhutan is also connected to the northeastern region (NER) of India through the 132KV-Geylegphu - Salakati and 132kV Motanga-Rangia transmission lines. As previously mentioned, Bhutan primarily exports electricity to India, maintaining a net exporter status.
The existing infrastructure between Bhutan and India lays a solid foundation for facilitating energy importation from Bhutan to Bangladesh. With well-established transmission lines and interconnected grids between Bhutan and India, the physical framework for energy exchange is already in place. This infrastructure not only enables Bhutan to export surplus hydroelectric power to India but also provides a conduit for extending the energy trade network to neighboring countries like Bangladesh. The geographical proximity of Bhutan to Bangladeshs borders simplifies the task of building connectivity infrastructure for energy importation. Given the short distance between Bhutan and Bangladesh, the construction of transmission lines and other necessary infrastructure becomes more feasible and cost-effective. This proximity minimizes transmission losses and enhances the efficiency of energy transfer between the two countries.
The timing of energy trade plays a pivotal role in facilitating and maximizing its benefits, particularly in the context of Bangladeshs electricity demand dynamics. Throughout the year, Bangladesh experiences seasonal variations in electricity demand, with fluctuations occurring notably during the winter and summer months, and peaking during the monsoon season.During the winter, there is a marginal decrease in electricity demand in Bangladesh. However, as temperatures rise during the summer months, accompanied by increased usage of cooling appliances, the demand for electricity surges.
This demand reaches its zenith during the monsoon season, driven by various factors including agricultural needs and increased domestic consumption.This seasonal fluctuation in electricity demand presents a unique opportunity for countries like Bhutan and Nepal, where electricity generation peaks align with the monsoon season due to ample water availability for hydropower generation. The synchronization of peak generation in Bhutan and Nepal with Bangladeshs peak demand periods creates a conducive environment for energy trade between these nations.Adopting a multi-country, market-based approach to electrical energy trade holds the key to unlocking the full potential of energy resources in the BBIN region. By leveraging the complementary seasonal generation patterns and optimizing the utilization of generation resources across Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, this approach can effectively address the annual hourly demands of these countries.
The intention to import energy from Bhutan signifies a strategic move towards ensuring energy security and sustainability for Bangladesh. With Indias support and collaboration, this initiative not only meets the immediate energy needs but also strengthens regional cooperation and promotes mutual prosperity. By working together, the three nations can build a resilient and interconnected energy ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders in the region.
The writer is a Research Associate, The KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA)
