India's Green Light: Adani Power's Godda Plant to Electrify Bangladesh Through Indian Grid

In a significant development poised to bolster regional energy ties, the Indian government has decisively cleared the final hurdles for Adani Power to supply 748 megawatts (MW) of electricity from its Godda thermal power plant in Jharkhand to Bangladesh. This crucial approval means that power generated specifically for export will now be permitted to transit through India's vast national transmission grid, a move set to energize Bangladesh's power landscape.

For months, the ambitious cross-border power project faced a unique challenge: existing guidelines for Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET) did not explicitly allow power generated by projects primarily meant for export to use the Indian grid as a transit corridor.

This regulatory bottleneck, however, has been ingeniously addressed. Responding to the exigency, particularly from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Power has amended the CBET guidelines, paving the way for such transit arrangements.

The newly revised guidelines are a game-changer.

They now state that "power projects based in India which are primarily for export to a neighbouring country may be allowed to use the Indian transmission system for transit of power with the approval of the Central Government." This pragmatic adjustment underscores India's commitment to facilitating energy cooperation with its neighbours, ensuring that a robust framework supports strategic initiatives.

The Adani Power (Jharkhand) Ltd.

project involves a sprawling 1,600 MW thermal power plant in Godda, specifically designed to meet Bangladesh's growing energy demands. A dedicated 105-kilometer transmission line has already been constructed, connecting the Godda plant directly to Bogura in Bangladesh. The innovative aspect of this approved arrangement is that the initial segment of this transmission, a 400 kV double circuit line, will utilize a part of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd.

(PGCIL) network for transit.

This landmark decision not only marks a pivotal moment for Adani Power's commitment to its Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), signed back in 2017, but also significantly reinforces India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

By streamlining the process for cross-border energy flow, India is demonstrating its role as a reliable energy partner, contributing directly to the energy security and economic development of Bangladesh.

The move is anticipated to enhance regional energy connectivity, fostering a more integrated and resilient power network across South Asia.

With the path now clear, Adani's Godda plant is set to become a vital artery in the energy lifeline between India and Bangladesh, symbolizing a stronger, more cooperative future for both nations.