Add us as your preferred source on Google to see more of our content in Search.
Add to Preferred SourcesThe impact of expanding access to electricity to rural communities and benefits from harnessing renewable energy were highlighted at the groundbreaking ceremony to formally mark the start of construction of the Chilime-Trishuli transmission system in central Nepal.
“Once complete the new Chilime-Trishuli Transmission link allows thousands of people living in communities in the Trishuli River Basin and beyond to benefit from clean hydropower energy and a more reliable power supply. This crucial energy project is key for sustainable development in Nepal and demonstrates the close partnership between Nepal and European partners,” said Barshaman Pun, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Nepal, speaking at the ceremony.
The new 27km transmission line will be built through difficult mountainous terrain 50km west of Kathmandu by the Nepal Electricity Authority and financed by the European Investment Bank, the European Union through the Asian Investment Facility, German Development Bank KfW and Government of Nepal.
Crucial connection to harness renewable energy in Nepal
The new transmission link will enable 600 MW of clean energy generated from hydropower plants, including independent power producers, on the Trishuli River corridor to be connected to Nepal’s national electricity grid and upgrade existing electricity distribution to enable a more reliable supply of energy.
New link to expand provision of electricity to rural communities
The distribution scheme under the transmission system will also enable households in remote rural communities to benefit from first time access to electricity and reduce the need for expensive generators and cooking fuels.
European commitment to improve access to electricity in Nepal
The project was supported by a number of European partners working closely with the Government of Nepal and Nepal Electricity Athe uthority.
“Seeing at first hand how local communities benefit from access to electricity and how communities most vulnerable to a changing climate can benefit from clean energy makes today’s groundbreaking important for both Nepal and Europe. This project demonstrates the European Investment Bank’s firm commitment to supporting climate related investment across Asia and we are pleased to provide EUR 30 million to finance construction of the Chilime-Trishuli transmission link.” said Andrew McDowell, European Investment Bank Vice President responsible for energy and South Asia.
The European Union and German government financed comprehensive technical assistance totalling EUR 16.25 million, essential for preparation and implementation of the project, and the European Investment Bank is providing a EUR 30 million long-term loan to finance construction of the new transmission link.
Original source: EIB
Published on 22 November 2018