Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET)
Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET) can be transformative for energy cooperation in South Asia. The Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Cross Border Electricity Trade (CBET), organized by USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) program, played a significant role in promoting collaboration in South Asian energy initiatives.
Held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 12 and 13, 2023, the workshop aimed to enhance understanding and cooperation in cross-border power trading.
The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of power trading in South Asia, with a particular emphasis on exchange-based trade and the experiences of Bhutan and Nepal in power exchange. It also addressed vital aspects of transmission interconnections, a crucial component for effective cross-border electricity trade.
In his opening address in the Inaugural Session, Vice Chairman of Ceylon Electricity Board, Mr. Gunathilake reiterated the importance of power trade in the South Asia region to enhance grid reliability while at the same time addressing risks associated with regional projects. Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Chairman, Prof Fernando underlined the importance of competition in Sri Lanka’s power sector and power trade with South Asia would further enhance it.
The first day of the workshop delved into the current state of power trading in the region, bilateral trading experiences, and the evolution and impact of power exchanges in India. On the second day, experiences from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India were shared, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities of power trading in South Asia.
The discussions also covered the role of system operations in power trade and the nuances of cross-border energy accounting and settlement systems. Additionally, the importance of planning cross-border transmission lines was presented, with insights from Bangladesh and Nepal on the development of transmission interconnections.
Agenda:
