NEEK donates advanced technology-based 'NEEK EcoTap' transformer to NEA

Kathmandu: Nepal Ekarat Engineering Company Pvt Ltd (NEEK), a Nepali transformer manufacturer, has donated a 500 kV distribution transformer, which is developed under modern technology, to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The private manufacturer on Sunday handed over the equipment to the state-owned power utility. The transformer costs around Rs 3.2 million.

According to NEEK, it handed over the transformer to the authority in the presence of Kulman Ghising, managing director of the NEA and Manoj Silwal, deputy executive director at the NEA’s directorate of distribution and customer service. Speaking at the ceremony, Ghising said that the production and connection of these types of transformers will contribute largely to the supply of clean energy.

Kush Kumar Joshi, managing director of NEEK, said the transformer is manufactured under the 'Vacuum Unload Tap Changer' technology of Germany-based MR Company and vegetable oil produced by American company Cargill, is environment friendly and contributes to the supply of clean green energy. Last year, NEEK reached an agreement with the authority to manufacture this type of transformer. At present, a transformer of this type has been installed at the NEA Head Office in Ratnapark, Kathmandu.

Joshi said that they had given priority to manufacturing the high-tech transformer, similar to the one that has been donated to the authority. Joshi added that the equipment plays an important role in adjusting power supply fluctuations and voltage alteration. "Even when the electricity supply is on, this transformer helps fix the problem of supply disruption caused due to fluctuations in voltage," he said, "it will also make a significant contribution to the supply of the environment-friendly clean green energy."

On August 17, 2022, NEEK signed a memorandum of understanding with the NEA for the production and installation of the advanced transformer. The authority has urged the US and German companies to continue with similar support in introducing new technology in the development of electrical equipment.

NEEK is reported to have introduced the technology to the Nepali market just within a year of its innovation in Germany. The transfer helps prevent possible accidents that could take place due to fluctuations in the electricity supply.

Likewise, the equipment can be fitted on just a single electric pole. According to Joshi, the transformer is equipped with a modern communication device that allows the user to get information about its condition from the NEA’s head office.

NEEK has been manufacturing Nepali brand transformers and exporting them to countries like Bhutan and Bangladesh. The company has recently been working with the priority of producing transformers that contribute to a clean green energy supply based on new technologies. Through the initiative, the company has aimed to contribute at its best to the global campaign of transforming into green energy development, Joshi said.