P.M. Dahal Inaugurates 400kV Inaruwa Substation two months after Commencement

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Puspa Kamal Dahal has officially inaugurated the 400 kV Inaruwa substation, located in Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality-4 Sunsari. The inauguration comes after a two-month operational phase of the second-largest substation in the country, which is built on an autonomous Gas Insulated System (GIS).

The primary purpose of the substation is to enhance the energy transmission and distribution system throughout the country. Notably, the Dhalkebar 400 kV substation is the country's first GIS-based substation, with Inaruwa being the second. This development is anticipated to facilitate east-west energy electricity supply and foster cross-border energy trade.

Currently, there is an existing 220/132/33 kV substation that has been successfully constructed and is operational. The 400/220 kV Inaruwa substation, developed under the 400 kV Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa substation expansion project, is equipped with three power transformers boasting a 315 MVA capacity. Following the construction of the 400 kV Inaruwa-Dhalkebar transmission line, the Inaruwa substation is expected to handle the exchange and flow of approximately 4000 MW of electricity.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has strategically positioned the Inaruwa substation as a power hub. Its primary function is to transmit electricity generated by various projects in the Kosi province, cater to local consumption, and facilitate cross-border electricity trade. Beyond national transmission, the electricity from this substation will also be utilized for local consumption, leading to improved voltage and ensuring reliable, high-quality electricity supply in the region.

Furthermore, the Inaruwa substation plays a pivotal role in proposed cross-border trilateral electricity trade between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh through the 400kV Inaruwa-Purniya and 400 kV Inaruwa-Anarmani transmission lines. NEA emphasizes that the substation has become a strategic hub for regional supply, east-west electricity distribution, and cross-border trade.

The Inaruwa substation is deemed crucial for ensuring reliable and high-quality electricity supply, as well as providing additional electricity to the Morang-Sunsari Industrial corridor.