NEA boosts capacity of New-Khimti substation for improved power transmission

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority has increased the capacity of the 220 kVA New-Khimti Substation located in Manthali Municipality-13, Ramechhap district. Previously, this substation had power transformers with a total capacity of 100 MVA, but it has now been equipped with an additional 200 MVA auto-transformer. This new transformer was put into operation on Tuesday.

With the addition of this new transformer, the capacity of the 220 kV Khimti Substation has increased to 300 MVA. This enhancement is part of a project initiated by the Nepalese government and the Nepal Electricity Authority under the Ramche (Garjyang) – Khimti Transmission Line Expansion Plan.

The electricity generated from the 132 kV transmission line is brought to the Khimti Substation and then increased to 220 kV. From there, it is transmitted to Dhulikhel via the Dhulikhel-Dhulabari 220 kV transmission line.

Before the addition of the new transformer, the Khimti Substation was equipped with power transformers that couldn’t handle the entire capacity of the electricity received from the 132 kV transmission line. Therefore, the new transformer has been added to ensure efficient power transmission.

This development is significant for the Tamakoshi, Khimti, and Likhu River hydropower projects in the region. Previously, these hydropower projects faced issues related to the uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Chief of the Khimti Substation, Anup Gautam, mentioned that after the operation of the new transformer, they are now receiving sufficient, reliable, and high-quality power supply.

The surplus electricity from the local supply is now transmitted to Dhunche in Dhading via the 220 kV Dhalkebar-Dhunche transmission line and to Lamoshanghu in Sindhupalchok via the 132 kV transmission line.

The new 220 kV Khimti Substation was constructed as part of the Tamakoshi, Khimti, and Likhu River hydropower projects. The substation project began in the fiscal year 2076/77 and cost approximately NPR 800 million.