Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) will advance its pump‐storage programme to bolster energy security, having applied for a licence to conduct a pre‐feasibility study for a 594 MW project.
Executive Director Hitendra Dev Shakya reported that the NEA has approached the Ministry of Energy for studies on two pump‐storage facilities. Reviewing his first 100 days in office, he said prioritising pump storage has been a key achievement.
The NEA has prepared pre‐feasibility proposals for the 100 MW Kulekhani–Sisneri and the 494 MW Hulingtar–Dumkim projects. To ensure reliable supply, it has also launched an initiative to assess and support a battery energy storage system (BESS) alongside the pump‐storage schemes. Meanwhile, licensing for the Uttar Ganga and Upper Arun hydropower projects has progressed.
Shakya noted that, facing a payment obligation of Rs 14bn, the Authority will secure short‐term loans. He attributed delays in the Hetauda–Dhalkebar transmission line to funding constraints. He added that foundational reforms and long‐term plans set in motion during his initial 100 days will now be fast‐tracked. Projects under way include the Nijgadh–Pokhariya line, the Balaju–Maharajgunj (via Singha Durbar) route, and the Dudhkoshi transmission corridor.
To resolve disputes over dedicated and trunk‐line tariffs, the NEA has received 46 review applications; a committee is working to finalise these soon.
For Kathmandu Valley’s power stability, the Distribution Control Center in Syuchatar will now monitor 17 feeders connected to various switching stations and substations around the clock.
Under a Public–Private Partnership model, the NEA has issued an Expression of Interest for a 400/200 kV transmission line to integrate private-sector generation into the national grid rapidly.
Through its Energy Mix Programme, the NEA sought proposals for 960 MW of solar capacity via competitive procurement. Of 63 shortlisted projects, it has signed Power Purchase Agreements totalling 170 MW with eight companies.
On Tuesday morning, flooding in Bhotekoshi, Rasuwa forced the shutdown of 240 MW of output—230 MW from NEA plants and 10 MW from the private Mailung Khola facility. The 111 MW Rasuwagadhi plant suffered the worst damage, followed by the 60 MW Trishuli 3A project. While most stations will resume generation once waters recede, Rasuwagadhi and Trishuli 3A will require extended repairs.
