OMCN seeks concept for off-grid power system

The office of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (OMCN) is announcing a call for ideas for off-grid electrical power system, aiming to ensure electricity access to locations far from the national grid. OMCN is publishing a notice to this effect on Thursday. Organizations or institutions with operations or intent to establish operations in the country can submit their ideas to OMCN, according to an OMCN official. The project concept should be for improving viability, sustainability and reliability of off-grid electrical power system. OMCN is a joint initiative of Nepal and the US government for reducing poverty through economic growth. Talking to Republica, National Coordinator of OMCN, Tulasi Prasad Situala, said that they want to develop mini-grids by interlinking two or more micro hydro projects of the far flung areas. "This is a partnership program with private sector or interested organizations to rehabilitate mini and micro hydro projects for sustainable energy supply, converting separate micro hydro projects which have become difficult to manage in many ways, "he added. OMCN is allocating US$ 10 to 15 million for the program. The ideas collected in the next seven weeks will be evaluated on the basis of making sustainable power supply via off grid project, the officials added. This is the third component of the US grants assistance after projects related to transport and transmission line projects. Feasibility study on the projects is undergoing. Commenting on the concept, Independent Power Developer Shailendra Guragain suggested that OMCN find a sustainable solution rather than going for piecemeal approach. He also said expansion of national grid would be more effective than off-grid projects.

Construction of Chilime-Trisuli Transmission Line begins  The construction of 220 kV Chilime-Trishuli Transmission Line has begun. The construction work was launched formally by organizing a program in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The 65-million euro project, equivalent to Rs 7.67 billion, spans 27 kilometers. The project is a joint undertaking of the European Union, German Development Cooperation, European Investment Bank and the Government of Nepal. Speaking at the program, Ambassador of the Euroepan Union to Nepal, Rensje Teerink, said that the construction of the Chilime-Transmission Line is an important pilot contribution to the national grid and that it will bring light and energy to homes, households and school children across the country. Similarly, Minister for Energy Janardan Sharma said that the construction of the state of the art 220 kV transmission line is an excellent example of a strong partnership and collective efforts of the Government of Nepal.

Source: Republica