With an aim to ensure energy security in South Asia member countries are discussing on SAARC cross-border electricity inter-connection in Thimphu. The members shared experiences and technical capacities.
Cross border electricity interconnection is one of the elements of SAARC Energy Ring. The concept of SAARC energy ring was recommended during the 12th SAARC summit. According to a member the SAARC energy ring will benefit countries like Bhutan and Nepal, as the two countries have so much clean and renewable hydropower power. “If harnessed it can reduce the costly thermal generation and reduce the green house gas emission in the region,” he added.
A research fellow from SAARC energy centre, Saman Fernando, explains how Bhutan can be benefitted. “Today, Bhutan supply electricity only to India. Once we start with the SAARC cross border electricity connection Bhutan can supply to all other country who don’t have the capacity. So this will help Bhutan earn more foreign currencies. Moreover, at the some places of Bhutan are not connected with electricity so once we start the interconnection they will also get the connection.”
However, he said lots of negotiations have to be done with carrying out the cross border electricity interconnections. “In our part it is very difficult to negotiate. It takes so much time and meeting with the expertise for the region is another problem. It is always better if all the technical people meet and talk. Another problem is the fund, all SAARC countries have different capacities,” he added.
The two-day meeting saw discussions on financial modalities, technical feasibilities in making the cross border interconnections possible besides infrastructures and arrangement that needs to be put in place in trading electricity. The workshop was attended by the members from the four SAARC counties of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.
