Policymakers and experts have begun discussions on the creation of a regional power grid for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member countries. Representatives from BIMSTEC countries met in Dhaka, Bangladesh, for the conference Enhancing Energy Cooperation in the BIMSTEC Region.

The conference, held on 25–26 February 2020 was organized by the BIMSTEC secretariat in cooperation with South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy Integration of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The BIMSTEC member countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Mr. Manmohan Parkash, Asian Development Bank’s Country Director in Bangladesh, said BIMSTEC member countries could help ensure energy security and better deal with global energy price fluctuations through regional energy cooperation.

BIMSTEC countries came out with a memorandum of understanding on 31 August 2018 to enhance energy cooperation through the installation of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection. Mr. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, said a regional power grid among BIMSTEC countries would enhance energy efficiency and ensure quality supply of power at a lower cost.

The proposed grid will smoothen export and import of electricity, said Mr. Chowdhury. For instance, Bangladesh could export electricity to Nepal in the winter when demand in Bangladesh is low, and import electricity in summer when demand in Bangladesh rises, he said.

• ADB stresses energy cooperation among BIMSTEC members
• Experts call for regional grid connecting BIMSTEC nations
• BIMSTEC experts begin outlining regional power grid strategy