NEA focuses on reliable and secure electricity supply through extensive infrastructure growth

KATHMANDU: Over the span of nine years, Nepal’s electricity transmission network has witnessed a significant expansion, with the addition of 3,100 circuit kilometers of transmission lines. As of August 2023, the Nepal Electricity Authority has been diligently working to prioritize electrification and ensure a dependable, high-quality, and secure supply of electricity to consumers. This commitment has fueled substantial progress in enhancing both transmission and distribution infrastructure.

The Authority’s efforts have materialized through the execution of transmission line and substation projects managed by the Directorate of Transmission and Project Management. These projects play a crucial role in facilitating the delivery of power generated by various plants to households and businesses.

Remarkably, the capacity of grid substations has surged from a mere 2,132 MVA in the fiscal year 2071-72 BS to a commendable 6,735 MVA in the fiscal year 2079-80 BS, marking a remarkable advancement since the end of load- shedding. Initially, only 66 and 132 kVA power lines were operational, but this has expanded significantly to encompass 66, 132, 220, and 400 kVA lines.

In terms of transmission line extension, the journey from 2,624 circuit kilometers in the year 2071-72 BS to 5,742 circuit kilometers in the year 2079-80 BS stands as a testament to the Authority’s dedication.

This expansion includes the incorporation of 220 and 400 KV transmission lines, alongside the pre-existing 66 and 132 kVA lines.

NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising emphasized that meticulous planning has been undertaken to address the occasional power interruptions experienced by consumers due to technical issues. These improvements have been strategically implemented to ensure consistent, reliable, and safe power supply.

Challenges arising from local obstacles, land acquisition, forest land use, and tree removal have been actively addressed in the pursuit of efficient project completion.

Ghising pointed out that streamlining the approval process for forest land use and tree felling, coupled with timely implementation of budget-allocated programs, is critical.

He advocated for a comprehensive revision or replacement of existing laws to enable forest area land utilization. Furthermore, Ghising advocated declaring the upcoming decade as a development-focused period and emphasized the need for swift execution of announced initiatives.

With an eye on future electricity demand until 2050, Ghising highlighted the division of major cities, including Kathmandu, into 11 clusters. This strategic move is part of a master plan designed to optimize transmission and substation structures. Anticipating urban and industrial expansion in the southern Terai/Madhesh region, construction of 400, 220, and 132 kVA east-west transmission lines has already commenced along the Postal Highway.

The Nepal Electricity Authority has a number of ongoing projects, with a cumulative length of 2,852 circuit kilometers of transmission lines at various capacities currently under construction. Among these, 1,111 circuit kilometers pertain to 132 KV transmission lines, while 220 and 400 KV transmission lines constitute 988 and 754 circuit kilometers respectively.

Looking forward, there are ambitious plans to construct an additional 6,751 circuit kilometers of transmission lines, including 1,141, 1,752, and 3,858 circuit kilometers for 132, 220, and 400 KV transmission lines respectively.

Ghishing stating that the construction of substations is underway, encompassing a combined capacity of 10,469 MVA for various capacities, while a proposed capacity of 15,564 MVA remains on the horizon. These developments underscore Nepal’s commitment to a robust and resilient electricity transmission network to meet its growing energy needs.