Bahrabise Substation Nears Completion: NEA's Final Push for Electricity Connectivity
The construction of the high-capacity substation in Bahrabise municipality, Sindhupalchok, is now in its final phase, as reported by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). The ongoing work involves the establishment of a 220/132 KV substation, with plans to complete it within the next two months.
The NEA states that the substation will include 220/132 KV, 160 MVA, and 132/11 KV, 5 MVA power transformers, all of which have been successfully installed. The final stage of the construction includes the installation of substation equipment utilizing Gas Insulated System (GIS) technology. The control room equipment has been delivered to the construction site.
Kulman Ghising, the executive director of the NEA, expressed that the connection of devices is progressing rapidly, with an overall construction progress of approximately 95%. Additionally, he mentioned the construction of another 400 KV substation scheduled for completion in the coming twelve months.
The electricity generated by the Madhyabhotekoshi hydropower project, a 102-megawatt project in Sindhupalchowk under the Chilime Jalvidyut Company's leadership, will be linked to this substation. A 220 KV transmission line will connect the electricity from Madhyabhotekoshi to the Bahrabise substation.
However, there are challenges in laying 2 km of transmission line wire due to resistance from residents in Palanti, located in Bahrabise Municipality-3 and 4. The NEA is under pressure to expedite the completion of the Bahrbise substation to avoid wasting electricity produced by the project without connecting it to the national transmission line.
To address these issues, a high-level team from the NEA, led by Executive Director Ghising, visited the construction site to monitor progress and provide instructions for the remaining work. The team discussed construction problems, equipment supply status, and completion schedules, and engaged with locals to resolve obstacles in the transmission line. They also visited the Madhyabhotekoshi hydropower project to gather information about ongoing testing.
Despite delays caused by the joint venture of Chinese companies and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NEA has implemented temporary measures for electricity flow from Madhya Bhotesh. However, the construction of the 220/132 KV Bahrabise substation remains crucial.
The NEA team has urged the completion of the substation within two months, emphasizing that all equipment is supplied, and some connections are in the final stages. Ghising expressed satisfaction with the progress of the substation's latest phase and highlighted the nearing completion of the Khimti-Bahrabise and Bahrabise-Lapsiphedi (Kathmandu) transmission lines.
The construction of the substation has faced delays, but the NEA is committed to overcoming challenges. The Tamakoshi-Kathmandu transmission line project is underway to integrate the electricity from the Tamakoshi and Sunkoshi rivers into the national transmission system, supported by concessional loans from the Asian Development Bank.
Various transmission line projects, including the Tamakoshi-Kathmandu 220/400 KV transmission line, are progressing, with efforts to resolve local hindrances and complete construction within the specified timelines.
