Dhaka, April 29: A power grid linking South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) countries has the potential to create 100,000 megawatt of electricity capacity and help bridge the energy deficit in the region, according to KC Venugopal, India's junior power minister.
"It is estimated that a Saarc power grid linking Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka has the potential to produce at least 100,000 megawatt (capacity) in the region for common use among its member countries," the state minister said on Wednesday.
He said India is looking forward to the idea of a Saarc power grid, which would also help in improving overall relations between the member countries. Other Saarc countries are Bhutan, Nepal and Afghanistan.
"Integrating the power distribution networks would help address the power deficit faced by South Asian countries," Venugopal addressed a seminar organised by Confederation of Indian Industry and SARI, A US-sponsored energy initiative.
Despite having an installed capacity of over 172,000 megawatt, the power shortage in India has been in the range of 10 percent during peak hours.
Jayant Prasad, special secretary in the Indian Ministry Of External Affairs, said geopolitics works in favour of cross-border power trading between Saarc nations. "India is currently preparing three papers -- including on transmission -- related to the proposed Saarc electricity grid."
Manila-based Asian Development Bank has piloted the Saarc power grid.
Source: The Daily Star
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