Nepal is generating surplus hydroelectricity. And it doesn't have to look far for buyers. For, the northern states of neighbouring India are reeling under a power crunch. In view of this, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is drafting a plan to export its surplus hydropower to India.

The recently completed 144-megawatt (mw) Kali Gandaki hydroelectric project, and the Chilime and Indrawati ventures have boosted Nepal's power potential. Under the existing exchange agreement, Nepal and India can swap up to 150 mw of power. "If we export this amount of power to India, we can earn Rs 1.5 billion annually,' says an NEA official.