Dependable supplies of electricity are vital to fuel South Asia's growing population and economy.
Interconnected power systems offer a number of benefits. They reduce the need to build reserve capacity in individual systems, create economies of scale to generate electricity with lower per-unit costs, and offer global climate benefits.
Electricity supply and demand patterns in some South Asian nations are complementary, especially at the sub-regional level. For example, wet seasons in Bhutan and Nepal, which produce hydropower, coincide with summer peak demand in India and Bangladesh, creating power export opportunities. Dry seasons in Nepal coincide with lower demand in India, offering an opportunity for Nepal to import power from India.
Among many other activities, we supported the development of the first high capacity electricity transmission link between Nepal and India. This allows Nepal to import electricity for short-term needs during its dry seasons while creating conditions for future exports to the sub-region.
The World Bank works with a number of partners, including the South Asia Regional Trade Facilitation Program, the Program for Asia Connectivity and Trade, and the South Asia Water Initiative, to provide analyses and technical assistance to support cross-border connectivity. Some activities are listed below.
Afghanistan Power System Development Project
Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission & Trade Project (CASA-1000)
Innovation in Floating Solar Power and Hybrid Technologies (India)
Nepal-India Electricity Transmission & Trade Project
Nepal Energy Infrastructure Sector Assessment
Nepal First Programmatic Energy Sector Development Policy Credit
Nepal Power Sector Reform and Sustainable Hydropower Development
North Eastern Region Power System Improvement (India)
Nepal Private Sector-Led Mini-Grid Energy Access Project
Solar Resource and Photovoltaic Potential of the Maldives
Vishnugad-Pipulkati Hydroelectric Project (India)
Related:
Blog series: Energy in South Asia
