Asia | March 3, 2025

Kathmandu Valley to See Electricity Boost with New Substations

Driven by increasing urbanisation and a rising demand for reliable power.

 

Image for illustration purposes.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is undertaking a significant infrastructure project to enhance the electricity supply in the Kathmandu Valley, driven by increasing urbanisation and a rising demand for reliable power. Currently, the electricity demand in the Kathmandu Valley is around 500 megawatts, with a projected demand of 3,100 megawatts 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 Teku substation in Kathmandu is already operational, and the Changu Narayan substation in Bhaktapur is ready to be energised. The Phutung and Mulpani substations are nearing completion and are expected to be operational within the next couple of months. The Chobhar substation is scheduled to be completed by mid-July, and the Thimi substation within eight months. Each substation has a capacity of 90/90 MVA. Once all six are operational, they will add 500 megawatts of electricity to the valley’s grid.

Looking ahead, the NEA plans to construct an additional 20 substations at 220, 132, 33, and 11 kV levels to meet the projected electricity demand by 2050. Land acquisition has been completed, and preparatory work, including surveys, has commenced for constructing a 220 kV ring around the outer perimeter of the Kathmandu Valley. The Lapsiphedi substation, currently under construction, will play a crucial role in supplying electricity from hydropower projects to the Kathmandu Valley at various voltage levels.

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 Mulpani substation will soon connect to the Chhapali-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line, supplying electricity to several areas via eight 11 kV feeders. The Phutung substation will tap into the Balaju-Chhapali 132 kV double-circuit transmission line, improving electricity supply to areas like Balaju, Nepaltar, and Goldhunga.

The Chobhar substation is being constructed due to delays in the Thankot-Chapagaun-Bhaktapur 132 kV transmission line project. An underground 132 kV line will extend from the Chobhar substation to the Lagankhel substation in Lalitpur, with further underground lines planned to Chapagaun and Harisiddhi.

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