Inauguration of Trishuli 3B hub substation marks major step forward for Nepal’s energy infrastructure

KATHMANDU: The Trishuli 3B Hub 220/132/33 kV substation, a crucial component of the Chilime-Trishuli 220 kV transmission system project, was inaugurated today at Paherebensi in Kispang Rural Municipality, Nuwakot. The event also saw the inauguration of the 33/11 kV electricity distribution substation in Valche, constructed through the community electrification program.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, alongside key international dignitaries, officiated the inauguration. Notable attendees included Deputy Director General at the European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships Myriam Ferran, EU Ambassador to Nepal Veronique Lorenzo, German Ambassador to Nepal Thomas Prinz, and European Investment Bank (EIB) Director Thouraya Triki.

According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Trishuli 3B Hub substation, built on approximately 104 ropanis of land, cost Rs. 1.97 billion. It connects to the Trishuli-Kathmandu 220 kV transmission line and Matatirtha substation. The neighborhood electrification program, including the Valche substation and Trishuli 3B Hub-Valche 33 kV transmission line, cost Rs. 429.3 million.

The Community Electrification Programme aims to expand reliable electricity access to over 2,000 households in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts, enhancing supply quality in areas affected by transmission lines and substations.

Minister Basnet highlighted the strategic importance of the new substation for managing electricity from hydroelectric projects in the Trishuli River catchment area and for the overall national electricity system. He noted ongoing policy, legal, and structural reforms to make the energy sector more investment-friendly, targeting 28,000 megawatts of production within the next 12 years.

Deputy Director General Ferran emphasized the substations’ role in boosting renewable energy production to combat climate change, while German Ambassador Prinz announced a 70 million euro subsidy to deliver clean energy to consumers.

NEA Managing Director Kul Man Ghising called for increased EU and member state investment in Nepal’s energy infrastructure, highlighting the need for USD 46 billion to meet the 28,500 megawatt target. Project Director Thark Bahadur Thapa noted that the Chilime Hub-Trishuli 3B Hub transmission line would be completed within a month.

The Chilime-Trishuli 220 kV transmission system project, estimated at Rs. 6.19 billion, is supported by the Government of Nepal, NEA, German Development Bank grants, and EIB concessional loans. This project is set to transmit up to 1,200 megawatts of electricity from hydroelectric projects along the Trishuli River and its tributaries to the national grid, enhancing Nepal’s green energy landscape.