Cross-border electricity trade for Nepal: a SWOT-AHP analysis of barriers and opportunities based on stakeholders' perception

Endowed with over 40,000 MW of economic hydropower potential relative to its nascent domestic demand, Nepal can export electricity to its power-deficit neighbours in the BBIN (Bhutan, Bangladesh, India and Nepal) region as a strategic economic opportunity. The untapped hydro potential in Nepal, coupled with BBIN's complementary seasonal demand patterns, difference in peak load timing, and rapidly growing growth of electricity demand in Bangladesh and India, are favourable for regional electricity cooperation, especially for Nepal. This study uses the SWOT-AHP-TOWS approach to identify the key barriers and opportunities for cross-border electricity trade and to provide insights on possible strategies for Nepal.

Automated summary

Nepal has the potential to export electricity to its power-deficit neighbors in the BBIN region, as it has significant untapped hydropower potential which complements the seasonal demand patterns and growth of electricity demand in the neighboring countries. This study identifies key barriers and opportunities for cross-border electricity trade using the SWOT-AHP-TOWS approach.