GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business has been awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to upgrade three Gas-Insulated Substations (GIS) located in Khimti, Barhabise and Lapsiphedi in Nepal.
These new substations would supply uninterrupted hydro electricity to hundreds of thousands of households in power-scarce areas outside Kathmandu that are still not connected to the national grid. The contract was awarded by Nepal Electricity Authority, the country’s state-owned parent producer and distributor of electric power, which manages and retains the country’s installed power capacity of approximately 1,332 Megawatts (MW).
Nepal, a landlocked, mountainous nation with a population of about 28 million people, has long acknowledged that developing its huge hydropower capacity is a crucial component of poverty reduction and economic development. The three GIS substations that GE will upgrade from 220 to 400 kilovolts (kV) are a significant part of Nepal’s South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Power Transmission and Distribution Project.
Nepal will also be able to share surplus power with neighboring countries as a result of this initiative. The project is being led by NEA and funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Nepalese government.
“The project is a crucial step towards meeting our vision of providing sustainable, reliable and affordable power to all in Nepal. Extending the access of electricity to all Nepali households and potential commercial establishments is our fundamental objective and we are happy to partner with GE on this mission.”
Hitendra Dev Shakya, Managing Director, Nepal Electricity Authority
Following years of persistent electricity shortages during Nepal’s dry winter months, the Nepal Electricity Authority has recently dramatically improved the country’s power generation capability. However, the transmission grid needs to be strengthened in order to maintain a seamless and uninterrupted flow of electricity from generation sites to load centers.
In 2016, the Nepal’s government initiated plans to install an additional 10,000 MW of generation capacity over the next 10 years and export the excess electricity to neighboring countries. These plans demanded the immediate upgrade and expansion of the country’s transmission systems.
“We are proud to partner with Nepal Electricity Authority to upgrade Nepal’s transmission infrastructure. More than 90% of power utilities around the world have been equipped with GE’s grid technology. Our substations use the most advanced grid technology whose benefits include smarter transmission, greater load control and real time monitoring. These substations will help to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of electricity for the people in Nepal.”
Pitamber Shivnani, President & CEO, GE’s Grid Solutions, South Asia
