Fimer’s inverters were supplied to the project through Kushal Projects Nepal Pvt Ltd. Currently, Nepal is predominantly dependent on hydropower for its electricity generation and aims to achieve 400 MW of renewable energy by 2022. However, the country also needs an additional 200 MW of energy to become self-reliant during the dry season, when its power generation drops due to fall in water levels in the rivers. In addition, certain areas, including Province 2, have no possibility to develop hydropower projects, but do have abundant sun energy that could be utilised. As such, a number of solar-powered projects are in pipeline to help bridge the power gap when hydropower is not possible.
The Mithila Saurya 10 MW plant is the first privately owned solar PV (photovoltaic) plant of 10 MW AC capacity. The project is located at Dhalkebar of Dhanusha District in Province 2 and was completed in just six months despite the challenges faced due to COVID-19 pandemic. The plant has been established with an objective to fulfill Nepal’s increasing energy requirements, reduce the energy dependency and enhance the economic growth in energy sector.
The solar system was developed by Eco power Development Company through a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) of (Nepalee Rupee) NPR 7.30/unit, which equals approximately $0.063/unit.
The project is spread over 6.3 hectares of land and uses PV mono crystalline modules. Three Fimer PVS980-58 central inverters were specified, one with 1045 KW and two further inverters with 4500 KW each. These convert the DC current from the solar modules to 690 V AC operating at >98.8 percent efficiency. ONAN Outdoor Three Phase type transformer of rated capacity 1.5 MVA and 5 MVA are also utilized to step up voltage to 33 kV.
The generated 10 MW is transmitted through 33KV high tension vaccum circuit breaker to 400/220/132/33KV grid–station at Dhalkebar, located 1 kilometre from the project site. The Dhalbekar Grid is now generating approximately 70,000 units of electricity per day since it was first commissioned.
“This installation is one of the milestone solar projects in Nepal” said Sandeep Agrawal, Managing Director of Kushal projects. “With the energy generated by this solar plant, we are supplying power to nearby areas like Janakpuri, one of the most famous areas for tourists across all seasons. Previously, tourism was significantly affected, due to excessive power cuts in the area. Now, as power cuts are being reduced by more than 40 percent, the local Nepalese community has significantly benefitted. Our company will continue to strive for betterment of the society and advocate for a cleaner, greener sustainable future.”
For additional information:
