India has finally become a net exporter of power

The April-February period this fiscal saw India becoming a net exporter of electricity for the first time, says a release by Power Ministry.

"As per Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the designated authority of Government of India for Cross Border Trade of Electricity, first time India has turned around from a net importer of electricity to Net Exporter of electricity," said the statement.

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It added that during the current year 2016-17 (April-February), India exported around 5,798 Million Units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar, 213 Million units more than its import of around 5,585 Million units from Bhutan, from where it has been importing power since the cross border trade of electricity started in mid-80s.

On an average, Bhutan has been supplying around 5,000-5,500 Million units to India, it said.

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India’s power export to Nepal increased by around 145 MW after commissioning of Muzaffarpur (India) to Dhalkhebar (Nepal) 400kV line (being operated at 132 kV) in 2016.

Talking of power export to Bangladesh, it increased after commissioning of the first cross border interconnection between Baharampur (India) and Bheramara (Bangladesh) at 400kV in September 2013, followed by second cross-border interconnection between Surjyamaninagar (India) and South Comilla (Bangladesh).

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India is in talks with neighbouring countries for a few more cross border links, to further strengthen power export

(Image source: Osprey)