Nepal’s Transmission Network Expands Rapidly: 6,507 Circuit Kilometers Achieved
Kathmandu, August 13, 2024: Nepal’s electricity transmission network has witnessed significant growth, reaching a total length of 6,507 circuit kilometers in the last fiscal year (BS 2080/81). This expansion is crucial for effectively transporting electricity generated from various sources, including hydropower and solar, to consumers across the country.
According to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) data, the transmission line network has quadrupled in the past eight years. In the fiscal year BS 2072/73, the total length was just 2,911 circuit kilometers.
The grid substation capacity has also surged from 2,223 MVA in BS 2072/73 to 13,000 MVA by the end of the last fiscal year. This infrastructure is essential for managing and distributing electricity efficiently.
NEA Managing Director Kulman Ghising highlighted the challenges overcome in building this network, including geographical difficulties, land acquisition issues, and securing necessary permits. Despite these hurdles, Nepal has made substantial progress in upgrading its transmission system to accommodate increasing electricity generation and demand.
The government’s strategic investments and the NEA’s efforts have been instrumental in this development. The focus now is on expanding the network further to facilitate electricity trade with neighboring countries, such as India and China.
Additionally, the distribution network has also seen significant improvements, with 2 lakh 9 thousand circuit kilometers of 33, 11, and 400-volt lines now in place. This has contributed to increased electrification rates, reaching 99 percent of the population.
