Power production in Nepal is gradually increasing. So far, projects generating 2,900 megawatts of electricity have been connected to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA)’s system.
Three projects with a capacity of 3,500 megawatts are being developed while projects of 9,000 megawatts capacity are in the pipeline.
Despite a good progress in power production, challenges remain for transporting it from one place to another due to the lack of transmission system.
According to NEA Executive Director Kulman Ghising, the construction of transmission line and its tower has become like a project.
The growing urbanization in the Kathmandu Valley has led to a rising demand for electricity every year. But the existing transmission system is not able to cope with the demand, suggesting a dire need for an alternative transmission system. Bearing this fact in mind, the government introduced the project to construct a 400-KV transmission line from Nanglebhare of Kathmandu to Ratmate of Nuwakot. The transmission will spread to Nawalparasi via Tanahu and towards Hetauda as well.
The total 312 kilometers long transmission system that is considered to be the backbone for the Kathmandu Valley, will link major cities like Pokhara, Hetauda, Narayangadh and Butwal.
Three substations will be constructed at Lapsiphedi, Ratamata and Damauli with USD 400 million grant to be provided under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The substation at Ratamata in Nuwakot district will connect to the proposed 400 KV Rasuwagadhi-Kerung transmission line. Similarly, the proposed 400 KV Butwal-Gorakhpur transmission line will link with the 22 kilometers inter-country transmission line of Nepal and India.
This project is essential in constructing transmission lines to transport electricity within the country and export it to neighbouring India, said Prakash Dulal, member of the central executive committee of the Independent Power Producers' Association, Nepal (IPPAN).
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