Supporting the Implementation

IRADe has been commissioned by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to develop an Electricity Grid Interconnection Masterplan for the BIMSTEC region, encompassing Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. These countries form the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. The primary objective of this project was to estimate the trading potential within the region and, based on these estimates, to provide an optimal transmission plan for grid interconnections across the member states. This initiative aims to facilitate feasible trade by examining the policies and regulations governing cross-border electricity trade and promoting clean energy transitions in each country. The project will also examine the existing national and cross-border transmission systems and planned developments up to the year 2040. It will outline a vision to add new interconnections and/or strengthen existing regional grid interconnections between and within the member countries. This strategic approach is designed to enhance regional energy cooperation and attract investment to make it a reality. The High-level Grid Interconnection Master Plan was initially submitted in July 2023. After receiving feedback from the BIMSTEC countries and ADB, revisions were made, and the final draft High-Level Report was submitted to ADB. Subsequently, it was shared with the BIMSTEC countries through the BIMSTEC Secretariat. The findings and recommendations of the report were disseminated at the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection Masterplan Workshop on Cross-border Transmission Lines Optimisation, held from 18-20 February 2024 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.