ADB and Nepal Electricity Authority sign first PPP deal for transmission, battery storage

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) have signed two agreements for public-private partnerships to expand transmission lines and battery storage.

This is ADB's first transaction advisory services agreement for transmission and battery storage partnership projects in any of its member countries.

ADB Nepal Country Director Arnaud Cauchois and NEA Executive Director Dirghayu Kumar Shrestha signed the agreements.

Under the deal, ADB will assist the Authority with feasibility studies, preparation of project agreements, procurement, bidding and capacity building.

The initiative aims to attract private sector investment into these projects. ADB expects the two projects together to mobilize private investment of about $200 million or more.