NEA targets to build eight high-capacity substations in Valley to meet electricity demand till 2050

Kathmandu: Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has targeted to construct eight high-capacity substations to improve the power transmission and distribution system of Kathmandu Valley.

According to the NEA, the substations with capacities of 400 kV, 200 kV and 132 kV are now under construction. In order to cope with the surging demand for electricity along with an increasing population density, the state power utility has set a deadline of 2050 to construct necessary transmission and distribution infrastructure in the major areas of the valley.

The highest demand for electricity in Kathmandu Valley by the year 2050 is projected to reach 3,100 MW. According to the projected demand, the construction process of 20 more new substations has been advanced to supply energy. The authority said that the land acquisition process for the construction of the substation had been started. A survey is being carried out to construct a 220 kV ring with 220 kV transmission structures encircling the outer perimeter of the valley.

Substations are under construction at Lapsiphedi, Matatirtha, Chobhar, Phutung, Teku, Mulpani, Thimi and Changu Narayan in the Kathmandu Valley. The structure at Teku and Changu Narayan substations has reached the final stage. Both substations are being constructed to be put into operation by June.

Kulman Ghising, managing director of the authority, said that the construction of the substation has been started to meet the increasing demand for electricity in the Kathmandu Valley, to make the supply reliable.

After making an inspection visit to Teku, Phutung and Changu Narayan substations which are currently under construction, Ghising instructed the project management and construction professionals to complete the construction within the stipulated time.

"In the winter of this year, the demand for electricity in Kathmandu Valley did not increase so much, due to this, it became easier to manage the supply of electricity.  Considering the winter of next year, the construction of the substation should be completed before that," he said.

The 66/11 kV substation at Teku is being strengthened to 132/11 kV and a new 132/11 kV substation is being constructed at Phutung. Two power transformers each with a capacity of 45/45 MVA will be placed in both substations. Balaju-Chapali 132 KV double circuit transmission line will be 'tapping' at the Phutung substation to supply electricity to that area.

Similarly, nine new feeders will be removed from Teku substation for local power supply, which will facilitate the power supply of the central part of Kathmandu.

To make the power supply of Kathmandu Valley reliable, projects such as the construction of new substations, automation of existing substations, undergrounding of electric wires, and addition and strengthening of new feeders and transformers are being implemented at present.