Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has informed that preparations are underway for the construction of the 220 kV transmission line connecting Rasuwagadhi/Chilime to Jilong/Kerung on the Nepal-China border.

Speaking at the 5th Energy Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), currently being held in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province of China, he discussed the achievements of Nepal’s energy sector and stated that a transmission line would be constructed in collaboration with China. He also mentioned that electricity trade is ongoing with India and Bangladesh.

Speaking at the parallel forum on “High-Quality Energy Development” on Thursday, Minister Khadka said, “Electricity export agreements have been made with India and Bangladesh. Preparations are underway for the construction of the Rasuwagadhi/Chilime–Jilong/Kerung 220 kV transmission line with China.”

Mentioning that 132 kV and lower voltage transmission lines, as well as the 400 kV Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur transmission line, are currently in operation with India, Minister Khadka also informed that a historic agreement has been reached to export electricity to Bangladesh via India.

In his remarks, Minister Khadka emphasized that energy security is a fundamental necessity of modern life, highlighting the need for regional cooperation, investment, and policy innovation. He stated, “Energy is no longer just an option—it is as essential to life as oxygen.”

Claiming that Nepal has doubled its electricity production in the past five years, Minister Khadka stated that around 99 percent of the population now has access to electricity, and more than 95 percent of the electricity is being generated from renewable energy sources.

He emphasized that for a secure, inclusive, and green future in the energy sector, regional policy coordination, regional investment and partnership in transmission infrastructure, transparent pricing, and the development of the energy market through a green financing system are essential.

Speaking at the parallel forum on “High-Quality Energy Development” on Thursday, Minister Khadka said, “Electricity export agreements have been signed with India and Bangladesh. Preparations are underway for the construction of the Rasuwagadhi/Chilime–Jilong/Kerung 220 kV transmission line with China.”

Mentioning that 132 kV and lower voltage transmission lines, along with the 400 kV Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur transmission line, are currently in operation with India, Minister Khadka also informed that a historic agreement has been reached to export electricity to Bangladesh via India.

In his statement, Minister Khadka described energy security as a fundamental necessity of modern life, stressing the need for regional cooperation, investment, and policy innovation. He said, “Energy is not an option for today—it is as essential to life as oxygen.”

Claiming that Nepal has doubled its electricity production in the past five years, Minister Khadka stated that approximately 99 percent of the population now has access to electricity, and more than 95 percent of electricity production comes from renewable energy sources.

He drew attention to the fact that for a secure, inclusive, and green future in the energy sector, regional policy coordination, regional investment and partnership in transmission infrastructure, transparent pricing, and the development of the energy market through a green financing system are indispensable.

Mentioning that Nepal has set a target to produce 28,500 megawatts of electricity by 2035 and export 15,000 megawatts of that, Minister Khadka expressed a commitment to achieve zero carbon emissions, clean energy for all, and the development of electric transportation and industrial systems by 2045.

Meanwhile, Energy Minister Khadka, delivering a speech on the theme “Integrated Innovation for Energy Future,” emphasized various aspects of energy development, grid connectivity, innovation, energy security promotion, and regional cooperation among the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Highlighting Nepal’s electricity generation capacity, he explained the country’s electricity production and export targets. Discussing the achievements of trilateral cooperation in electricity trade between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh, Minister Khadka stressed the need to establish a regional framework for innovation, investment promotion, and energy trade, keeping in mind the consumer markets and resource potentials within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He made it clear that Nepal, as a dialogue partner, will continue to contribute to the organization’s energy cooperation and take a leading role in mutual collaboration in the energy sector.

A meeting of the organization’s energy ministers on the theme “Innovation and Integration, Dynamic Future” was jointly organized by China’s National Energy Administration and the Zhejiang Provincial Government. Heads of energy departments from the relevant SCO countries, related representatives, and Chinese ambassadors participated in the meeting, where they exchanged in-depth successful experiences from various countries in promoting energy transition and sustainable development.

Source: Kantipur