KATHMANDU, August 14: Nepal's electricity transmission network has experienced substantial growth, reaching a total of 6,577 circuit kilometres by the end of the fiscal year 2023/24. This network is vital for transporting electricity generated from various sources, such as hydropower and solar energy, to consumers across the country.
According to data released by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the transmission lines are classified into different voltage levels: 400 kV, 220 kV, 132 kV, and 66 kV. Among these, the 132 kV transmission lines constitute the largest segment, totalling 4,136 circuit kilometres. The 66 kV lines span 514 circuit kilometres, while the 400 kV lines have reached 644 circuit kilometres. Back in the fiscal year 2015/16, Nepal's transmission lines totalled just 2,911 circuit kilometres.
Over the years, the growth of the transmission network has been steady. By fiscal year 2016/17, the network had expanded to 3,364 circuit kilometres, increasing to 3,538 in 2017/18, 3,990 in 2018/19, and 4,269 in 2010/20. This growth continued with 4,874 circuit kilometres in 2020/21, 5,329 in 2021/22, and 5,742 in 2022/23.
The capacity of grid substations has also seen a remarkable increase. From a capacity of just 2,223 MVA in 2015/16, the grid substations now have a capacity of 13,000 MVA. These substations accommodate various voltage levels, including 400 kV, 220 kV, 132 kV, 66 kV, and 33 kV.
The NEA has made significant investment in constructing these transmission lines and substations, with funding sourced from both the government and development partner agencies.
Kulman Ghising, executive director of the NEA, highlighted the progress achieved over the past eight years, overcoming challenges such as local opposition, land acquisition issues, forest clearance procedures, and the logistical difficulties of transporting materials to remote, roadless areas.
During this period, many high-capacity transmission lines (400 kV, 220 kV, and 132 kV) have been completed and are now operational. The national grid, which previously relied on 132 kV lines, is now increasingly utilising 400 kV and 220 kV lines, providing greater stability and capacity.
The major projects currently underway include the construction of the 400 kV Butwal-West Attaria transmission line and the South Corridor transmission line, which are being funded by various donor agencies. These projects are part of a broader master plan that divides the country into 11 clusters to ensure that the transmission and distribution infrastructure can meet the demand until 2050.
Additionally, the New Butwal-Gorakhpur 400 kV international transmission line, which will have the capacity to transmit approximately 2,500 megawatts of electricity for trade with India, is under construction. The capacity for electricity import and export between Nepal and India has grown significantly, from about 350 megawatts eight years ago to approximately 2,000 megawatts at present.
Other international transmission lines, such as the Inaruwa-Purnia and Lamki-Bareli 400 kV lines, are also in progress, with further studies being conducted to explore additional transmission connections between Nepal and India.
The NEA has advanced the construction of of the 400 kV Inaruwa-Anaramani transmission line to facilitate electricity trade between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Looking ahead, Nepal aims to expand its transmission network to support the export of 20,000 megawatts of electricity by 2035. The Chilime-Kerung transmission line is also being developed to support electricity trade with China.
Significant investments are also being made in the distribution network to ensure a reliable, high-quality, and safe electricity supply. The 33 kV, 11 kV, and 400-volt distribution lines now cover 209,000 circuit kilometres, ensuring electricity delivery from grid substations to consumers across the country.
