Kathmandu, Oct 1: In Nepal, you can now sell electricity every hour through the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). This is a significant development for the country’s power sector.

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has received permission to sell up to 44 megawatts of electricity on the real-time market of the Indian Energy Exchange. This is a result of the first phase of power generation from the 19.4-megawatt Lower Modi and 24.25-megawatt Kabeli B1 hydropower projects, both under the central grid of India’s Central Electricity Authority. Now, NEA can participate in the real-time market and sell electricity one hour ahead without waiting for a specific bidding window.

The Central Electricity Authority of India has approved NEA’s participation in the real-time market, which means that NEA can now sell electricity on the “Day Ahead” market, ensuring a more flexible and efficient process. This new development allows Nepal to adapt to sudden changes in power production or increased electricity demand in India.

Previously, Nepal could only sell electricity in the competitive market through medium-term agreements. However, this new permission allows Nepal to sell electricity in both competitive and medium-term markets, making it more versatile in the electricity trade with India.

NEA has already been selling electricity to India through various cross-border transmission lines, and this move further simplifies the process. The real-time market will provide opportunities for Nepal to better manage its electricity supply and demand and make the most of its power generation capacity.

This development comes as NEA has successfully exported electricity to India in the past. Nepal’s power sector is growing, and this participation in the real-time market with India will further enhance its position in the regional electricity trade.

In conclusion, Nepal’s electricity sales to India are becoming more dynamic with the ability to sell power hourly on the real-time market. This is a significant step forward for Nepal’s power sector and will contribute to its economic growth through enhanced electricity trade with India.