Talks begin on power grid connecting India with neighbours

Government today said initial discussions have started for setting up an integrated power transmission grid connecting India with its neighbouring nations including Bhutan, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
"Preliminary discussions have started and we are yet to draw up full fledged plans on the proposed grid," Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said here.
Through the SAARC grid, excess production of power in one region can easily be used to meet deficit elsewhere.
He said that hydroelectric power generated in North East India could be transported via Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, on to Afghanistan, or offshore wind projects could be set up in Sri Lanka's coastal borders to power Pakistan or Nepal.

Goyal said this will not only strengthen the economic ties among the SAARC nations but also deepens the people to people relationship.
The Power Minister further stated that economic sustainability of SAARC region is based on energy security as 30 per cent of the region's energy demands are met through imports.

In order to improve the situation, Goyal advocated a three pronged strategy by leveraging -- harnessing conventional and renewable sources of energy, building inter-connected transmissions grids and forging efficacious power trading agreements.
SAARC is a robust market but constraints are primarily on the supply side as there are pockets where deficits persist, Goyal said.

Goyal said that the impact of electricity on human lives is profound ranging from healthcare to education to employment opportunities.
He called upon all member countries to take this as a challenge and we all should commit ourselves for pushing up household per capita consumption.
For rapid progress and prosperity of the SAARC region , it is imperative that the power sector be expanded to ensure universal access to electricity in the region, Goyal added.
He said: "Our Government recognises the enormous potential of SAARC nations and we believe SAARC can be regional economic powerhouse.