KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 27
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has successfully upgraded the capacity of 220 kV New Khimti Substation, situated in Manthali Municipality-13 Sankhe (Fulasi) of Ramechhap district.
In this upgradation, a 200 MVA auto transformer was added to the existing 220-132 kV substation, which previously had a 100 MVA power transformer. The new transformer was commissioned and activated on Tuesday. Consequently, the substation's capacity increased to 300 MVA, under the Ramechhap (Gajryang)-New Khimti transmission line project, funded by the government of Nepal and the NEA.
This upgradation is vital as it facilitates increased electricity transmission from the 132 kV transmission line to 220 kV.
The electricity is then transmitted from Khimti to Dhalkebar through the Khimti-Dhalkebar 220 kV transmission line.
The need for this upgradation became apparent as the electricity generated from hydropower projects in the Tamakoshi, Khimti, and Likhu river regions was being transmitted into the New Khimti substation via the 132 kV transmission line. Unfortunately, the substation's capacity was insufficient, causing some hydropower projects, mainly on the Likhu River, to be unable to transmit their electricity fully.
Kulman Ghising, managing director of NEA, said that the addition of the new transformer has resolved the power flow issues faced by hydropower projects in the Likhu River corridor.
To address the capacity shortfall, a short-term plan was implemented to connect the electricity from certain hydropower projects in the Likhu corridor.
Ghising further noted, "With the commissioning of the new transformer, all the problems have been solved. The situation where electricity couldn't flow due to infrastructure limitations has come to an end. This enhancement will accommodate new projects, and we anticipate an increase in electricity exports to India."
Anup Gautam, head of the project, emphasised that the electricity generated by hydropower projects in the Tamakoshi, Khimti, and Likhu river regions has been made available for local consumption through upgraded infrastructure at the New Khimti Substation. Gautam mentioned that consumers now enjoy sufficient, reliable, and high-quality electricity supply.
The surplus electricity supplied locally is transmitted to Dhalkebar in Dhanush through a 220 kV transmission line and to the Lamosanghu Substation in Sindhupalchok through a 132 kV line.
The New 220 kV Khimti Substation was constructed as part of the Upper Tamakosi Hydropower Project, initially equipped with a 100 MVA power transformer. The local 132-33-11 kV substation for power supply has been operational since July. The construction of the 132-33 kV substation in New Khimti commenced in 2019-20 financial year, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 800 million.
A version of this article appears in the print on September 28, 2023, of The Himalayan Times
