ABB, the 130-year-old global technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation, and robotics and motion, on Nov 21 hosted the ABB Technology Day for 250 Nepali companies. At the event companies from different sectors such as utilities, transport and infrastructure engaged in a series of workshops with ABB experts, accompanied by an exhibit of latest technology in various sectors. In addition, discussions were held with key companies from the utilities and the industry segments.
Nepal is looking to increase its installed power capacity to 15,000 MW by 2027, with more than 10 percent expected to come from renewable energy. It also hopes to bring down power transmission and distribution losses to 15 percent. ABB technologies, deployed for communication in 80 percent of the electricity authority’s power substations, are expected to help with these goals.
Nepal is also planning to add 10,000 MW of hydro-electricity over the next decade. ABB has already provided a host of technology solutions and systems for various hydro projects in the country, from unified automation systems, digital governors, synchronizers and various other power management solutions in projects like Lower Modi, Panauti, Sunkoshi and Puwa Khola.
“We are hosting our first Technology Day for Nepal at a time when this great mountain country is taking a big leap for the next level of growth to improve the lives of its citizens,” said Karthik Krishnamurthi, Country Head of Sales and Marketing & Account Management, ABB India. “Be it in clean solar energy, making power transmission more efficient, improving energy access and quality, or reducing carbon emissions and facilitating energy savings in industries, transportation or homes, ABB technologies can be instrumental to partner sustainable growth in this country blessed with multiple natural splendors.”
Mahesh Mahato, Managing Director, Cosmic Electrical Engineering Associates Private Limited added, “Nepal is planning a massive expansion in its hydro power generation in this decade and providing licenses for new solar plants to be set-up for clean power in the country. At such a time, such interactive workshops and discussions provide a great exposure to the next level technologies of digitalization and analytics, which can be deployed to make a strong, reliable and sustainable grid in Nepal.”
With a robust internet and smart phone penetration—1 in 2 Nepalis has internet access—Nepal is poised to make a leapfrog in digital technology. ABB has provided technology solutions to optimize space, safety, cost and energy savings for the power requirements of datacenters, which will be the mainstay of data, telecom and start-up companies in the valley.
