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ADB approves loan for Bangladesh-India power link
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Tuesday it approved a USD 100 million for a cross-border electricity initiative between Bangladesh and India that will provide impetus for increased power trading in South Asia.
The funds will be used to build a 40 km 400 kilovolt transmission line, along with a high voltage direct current substation and connecting loop, linking the western electrical grid of Bangladesh with India's eastern grid, the ADB said in a statement.
Around 500 megawatts of power are expected to flow into Bangladesh by 2012 as a result of the project, with the possibility of more in the future.
Bangladesh's fast growing economy has seen power demand sharply outstripping supply, resulting in frequent power cuts and losses in economic output estimated at nearly USD 1 billion a year.
"The project will signal a new era in energy cooperation in South Asia and is likely to herald further power trading agreements, resulting in the more effective use of existing energy resources in the region," said Sultan Hafeez Rahman, director general of ADB's South Asia Department.
It will also allow Bangladesh to reduce its reliance on stop-gap power measures such as rental generation facilities, and help to generate jobs and new business opportunities by providing a more reliable supply of power to industries.
ADB's assistance from its concessional Asian Development Fund makes up 63% of the total investment cost of USD 156.8 million.
The loan has a 32-year term including a grace period of 8 years, with interest charged at 1.0% per annum during the grace period and 1.5% per year for the rest of the term.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Tuesday it approved a USD 100 million for a cross-border electricity initiative between Bangladesh and India that will provide impetus for increased power trading in South Asia.
The funds will be used to build a 40 km 400 kilovolt transmission line, along with a high voltage direct current substation and connecting loop, linking the western electrical grid of Bangladesh with India's eastern grid, the ADB said in a statement.
Around 500 megawatts of power are expected to flow into Bangladesh by 2012 as a result of the project, with the possibility of more in the future.
Bangladesh's fast growing economy has seen power demand sharply outstripping supply, resulting in frequent power cuts and losses in economic output estimated at nearly USD 1 billion a year.
"The project will signal a new era in energy cooperation in South Asia and is likely to herald further power trading agreements, resulting in the more effective use of existing energy resources in the region," said Sultan Hafeez Rahman, director general of ADB's South Asia Department.
It will also allow Bangladesh to reduce its reliance on stop-gap power measures such as rental generation facilities, and help to generate jobs and new business opportunities by providing a more reliable supply of power to industries.
ADB's assistance from its concessional Asian Development Fund makes up 63% of the total investment cost of USD 156.8 million.
The loan has a 32-year term including a grace period of 8 years, with interest charged at 1.0% per annum during the grace period and 1.5% per year for the rest of the term.