Bishal Thapa on the Potential and Pitfalls of Energy Trade for Nepal

#Ep.064 Nepal has come a long way from its dismal past of power shortage and routine load sheddings. Today as more hydropower projects come online and supply is beginning seasonally to exceed demand there is an optimistic anticipation for power trade within the energy fraternity in Nepal. In this episode, Satish and Bishal evaluate the scope of the electricity trade between Nepal and its regional counterparts, making the case for and against it. The two anticipate opportunities, and risks, and also explore the modalities and their implication on our energy security, economy, and geopolitics. Bishal has more than 20 years of global experience working with a wide range of public and private sector partners across energy, climate, energy efficiency, environment, and sustainability. As an economist by training, his expertise includes financial analysis, quantitative modelling, policy, research, and project design. Satish has worked in Nepal’s electricity sector for over a decade on issues ranging from institutional reforms to electricity trade. He is a founding partner at VRock & Company, where he oversees VRock’s engagements in the energy sector. Before that, he was the Principal Manager at the Investment Board of Nepal, where he led negotiations for the Upper Karnali and the Arun-III Hydropower Projects. Satish has also appeared previously on PODS as a guest. If you liked the episode, hear more from us through our free newsletter services, PEI Substack: Of Policies and Politics , and click here to support us on Patreon!!