Asia | March 5, 2025

Kathmandu Valley to get electricity boost with new substations

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is undertaking a significant infrastructure project to enhance the electricity supply in the Kathmandu Valley.

 

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Nepal, Kathmandu: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is undertaking a significant infrastructure project to enhance the electricity supply in the Kathmandu Valley. The project has been driven by increasing urbanisation and a rising demand for reliable power. Currently, the electricity demand in the Kathmandu Valley is around 500 MW, with a projected demand of 3,100 MW by 2050, the NEA is working to ensure the growing demand.

Six 132/11 kV substations are under construction at various locations in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, forming the initial phase of a broader plan. The Changu Narayan substation in Bhaktapur is ready for energization, while the Phutung and Mulpani substations will be operational in a few months. The Chobhar substation is set for completion by mid-July, and the Thimi substation within eight months. Each has a 90/90 MVA capacity, adding 500 MW to the valley’s grid.

The NEA plans to build 20 more substations at various voltage levels by 2050. Land acquisition is complete, and work has begun on a 220 kV ring around Kathmandu Valley. The Lapsiphedi substation will help supply power from hydropower projects.

In addition to building new substations, the NEA is also focused on improving the reliability of the existing electricity supply system. This includes automating existing substations, undergrounding power lines, adding new feeders and transformers, and generally strengthening the grid.

The upgrades are funded by the Government of Nepal, the NEA, and concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the World Bank are funding these improvements to the transmission and distribution system.

Source:  Nepal Republic Media