Electricity Infrastructure

Nepal is making strides in electricity generation, with over 95 per cent of the people now having an access to it. Much of that comes through the national grid. The nation has seen power consumption grow by 15 per cent annually in recent years. Its supply to industrial sector is likely to grow if transmission lines are further expanded and reliable supply is guaranteed. The other day, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda inaugurated the 400kV Gas Insulated System (GIS)-based substation in Inaruwa, Sunsari – a milestone in strengthening power transmission and distribution system. This substation will enhance the capacity of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to distribute increased power at home and export it abroad.  Constructed by National Electricity Development Decade Programme in joint investment of the government and the NEA, the Inaruwa substation is also the largest after Dhalkebar substation. 

The power transmission infrastructure is as important as power generation itself. Without reliable infrastructure like this, the goal of national electrification and smooth power supply as well as power export cannot be achieved. Prime Minister Prachanda said that the construction of this infrastructure has generated hope amid widespread despair and it would contribute to the country’s development and prosperity. Inaruwa substation can be the backbone for transmission of electricity produced by hydropower projects in various districts of Koshi Province for local consumption and export to India. NEA managing director Kul Man Ghising said that this facility is deemed significant for providing exclusive power to the industries situated in the Morang-Sunsari Industrial Corridor and enhancing the standard and reliability of electricity transmission.

There was a time when Nepalis had to bear load-shedding for up to 18 hours a day, but now they mostly have uninterrupted supply of electricity, thanks to NEA’s efficient management that is now focused on developing electricity infrastructure to ensure self- sufficiency inside the country and export the surplus. The substation will go a long a way to improve electricity infrastructure and make the transmission system free from hitches. Electricity is the prerequisite for the development and sound transmission system is essential for smooth power supply functioning. The NEA’s rigorous effort to improve electricity infrastructure deserves appreciation, and the people should heed its requests to consume more and more electricity. Hydropower is clean energy and its consumption is environment friendly and can also help save billions the country is spending every month to import fossil fuels. 

The government ought to prioritise electricity use in agriculture, industries, cooking, and transportation sector to reduce dependency on fossil fuels responsible for the greenhouse emissions. Nepal has pledged to attain a net-zero emission by 2045, and increase the share of clean energy in total energy demand to 15 per cent and forest cover to 45 per cent by 2030. The construction of electricity infrastructure like the substation shows that Nepal is making impressive headway in power infrastructure, increasing its prospect to sell more electricity. Nepal has bright electrified future, and the achievement made in the electricity sector shows the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. It is headed to be self-reliant not only in meeting domestic energy need but also going to emerge as a key player in the regional energy trade.