KATHMANDU, MAY 8
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is currently undertaking the construction of eight high-capacity substations in order to enhance the power transmission and distribution system in the Kathmandu valley.
NEA is in the midst of constructing substations with capacities of 400 kV, 220 kV, and 132 kV in the Kathmandu valley. To address the anticipated increase in demand for electricity in the future, the authority has set a target of ensuring expansion and development of power transmission and distribution infrastructure in the key areas of the valley by 2050.
It is projected that by the year 2050, the valley will experience its highest demand for electricity, which is expected to reach 3,100 megawatts.
The process of land acquisition for the construction of the substations has commenced. Additionally, a survey is being conducted around the outer perimeter of the Kathmandu valley, which will involve the installation of 220 kV transmission structures.
Substations are presently being constructed in multiple locations across the Kathmandu valley, namely Lapsiphedi, Matatirtha, Chobhar, Futung, Teku, Mulpani, Thimi, and Changunarayan in Bhaktapur. The Teku and Changunarayan substations are currently in their final stages of construction and are expected to be operational by June.
According to Kulman Ghising, managing director of NEA, the ongoing construction of the substations is being expedited to meet the growing demand for electricity in the Kathmandu valley.
"As the demand for electricity did not rise significantly during the winter season this year, the management of electricity supply became relatively easier. However, it is crucial to complete the construction of the substations before the next winter," stated Ghising.
"Once the construction of Teku and Futung substations is completed, the management of electricity in Kathmandu is expected to become significantly easier," he added.
The existing 132/11 kV substation at Teku is currently being strengthened to 66/11 kV substation, while a new 132/11 kV substation is being constructed at Futung. Both substations will be equipped with two power transformers with a capacity of 45- 45 MVA.
The Balaju-Chapli 132 kV double circuit transmission line will be connected to the Futung substation, and power will be supplied to the surrounding areas from there. In addition, nine new feeders will be established from the Teku substation to enable local power supply, which will enhance power supply to the central part of Kathmandu.
Various projects are currently underway to modernise and improve the reliability and quality of the power supply to Kathmandu valley which include the construction of new substations, automation of existing substations, undergrounding of electric wires, as well as the addition and strengthening of new feeders and transformers.
The Nepal government and the NEA have made significant investments, and concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have been secured to advance the improvement of the transmission and distribution system.
The construction of the 132-11 kV substation in Chobhar is being expedited following the interruption of the construction of the Thankot-Chapagaon-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line in the areas of Khokna, Bummati, Harisidhi, and Lamatar in Lalitpur. This transmission line is considered crucial for improving the electricity supply to the Kathmandu valley. The substation will have two power transformers with a capacity of 45 MVA each.
The acquisition process for 12 ropanis of land necessary for constructing a substation near the dry port on Himal Cement land is currently underway. Additionally, a 132 kV transmission line has been constructed from Matatirtha to Chobhar.
A new substation is under construction in Chobhar, and a 132 kV underground transmission line will be installed along the ring road to connect it to the Lagankhel substation in Lalitpur. The Lagankhel substation is being upgraded and converted to 132 kV capacity. Subsequently, the transmission line will be taken underground to Chapagaon and Harsiddhi in the near future. Currently, the Lalitpur area is receiving electricity supply from the overloaded Suchatar-Patan-Baneshwar 66 kV transmission line.
A version of this article appears in the print on May 9, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
