November 21: The government on Wednesday formally marked the start of construction of the Chilime-Trishuli transmission system in central Nepal. Once complete, the new Chilime-Trishuli Transmission link allows thousands of people living in communities in the Trishuli River Basin and beyond to benefit from clean hydropower energy and a more reliable power supply, said Energy Minister Barshaman Pun.
Speaking at the formal inauguration ceremony, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pun said, “This crucial energy project is key for sustainable development in Nepal and demonstrates the close partnership between Nepal and European partners.”
According to a joint statement issued by the government and its European partners, the new 27km transmission line will be built through difficult mountainous terrain 50km west of Kathmandu by the Nepal Electricity Authority and financed by the European Investment Bank, the European Union through the Asian Investment Facility, German Development Bank KfW and the Government of Nepal.
The new transmission link will enable 600 MW of clean energy generated from hydropower plants, including independent power producers, on the Trishuli River corridor to be connected to Nepal’s national electricity grid and upgrade the existing electricity distribution to enable a more reliable supply of energy, the statement further said.
“Over the coming years investment in clean energy will support sustainable development across Nepal and significantly increase use of renewable energy sources. The Chilime-Trishuli transmission line highlights how technical and financial cooperation between the Nepal Electricity Authority and European partners benefits our country and helps to harness low-carbon power sources,” said Kul Man Ghishing, managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority.
The distribution scheme under the transmission system will also enable households in remote rural communities to benefit from first time access to electricity and reduce the need for expensive generators and cooking fuels.
The European Union and German government financed comprehensive technical assistance totalling 16.25 million euros, essential for preparation and implementation of the project, and the European Investment Bank is providing a EUR 30 million long-term loan to finance construction of the new transmission link.
