EU launches major South Asia energy connectivity project under Global Gateway

July 9, Kathmandu: The European Union has launched a 5 million Euros ( Nrs 871.28 million) energy connectivity project in South Asia to support a more connected regional power market.

The initiative aims to deliver affordable, clean, and reliable electricity to Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, while strengthening energy security and economic growth in line with the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, stated that the EU is investing in cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable electricity to strengthen resilience and unlock opportunities for communities and businesses, demonstrating a strengthening partnership between the EU and South Asian countries.

The four-year regional program, titled “Powering South Asia’s Energy Future: Advancing Cross-Border Electricity Trade, Investments and Energy Security,” was launched in Kathmandu on Friday.

Implemented by Expertise France, the Energy Connectivity in South Asia (ECSA) project will advance cross-border electricity trade, enable large-scale renewable integration, and catalyse investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including from Europe.

Véronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union to Nepal, highlighted that Europe’s experience in building an integrated electricity market demonstrates that stronger energy connectivity creates more resilient, affordable, and sustainable energy systems.

Chief Guest Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Nepal, welcomed the initiative, noting that enhanced cross-border electricity trade will help South Asian countries meet development goals while improving energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability.