12 June 2024, Kathmandu
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has unveiled a cutting-edge international data center, marking a significant milestone in its journey towards digital transformation and enhanced service delivery.
NEA Data Center in Kathmandu
Situated at Suchatar in Kathmandu, this state-of-the-art facility is poised to revolutionize the NEA’s operations and extend its service capabilities to commercial enterprises in the future.
Advanced Infrastructure and Facilities
Housed in a three-story building constructed using pre-fabricated containers, the data center is equipped with the latest technology to ensure robust and reliable operations. The ground floor features an underground electricity distribution system monitoring room, regulation and control facilities, and a security operation room dedicated to the Kathmandu Valley. The first floor accommodates the office and network operations room, while the top floor is exclusively dedicated to the data center.
Uninterrupted Power Supply
To ensure uninterrupted power supply, the data center is equipped with two modular Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) of 300 kVA each. These UPS systems are supported by lithium-ion batteries, enhancing their reliability and eliminating the need for shutdowns during maintenance or equipment replacement.
High-Speed Connectivity
The NEA has implemented an optical fiber network with alternative routing to connect the authority’s head office at Ratnapark with the data center. This connection is routed through Teku and Balaju, ensuring seamless and high-speed communication between the headquarters and the data center.
Round-the-Clock Operations
The NEA has assigned dedicated staff to operate the data center 24 hours a day, ensuring continuous monitoring and management of the facility. This round-the-clock operation is crucial for maintaining the high standards of service expected from an international-level data center.
Enhanced Power Distribution Management
In addition to the data center, the facility includes infrastructure to monitor, regulate, and control the underground distribution system currently under construction. This system aims to automate the power distribution network in the Kathmandu Valley, enabling efficient management, monitoring, and control of power distribution down to the customer’s premises below 11 kV. Substations and switching stations within the valley will also be connected to this central system.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
The data center premises feature a charging station capable of simultaneously charging three electric vehicles. This addition underscores the NEA’s commitment to supporting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Strategic Partnership and Investment
The construction of the data center was initiated in July 2021, following a contract with the Chinese company Yantai Dongfang Wisdom Electric Company Limited. The project commenced in November 2021, with an estimated cost of around NPR 1.04 billion. This investment was made possible through the combined efforts of the government, the NEA, and a subsidized loan from the Asian Development Bank.
The launch of this international-level data center by the Nepal Electricity Authority represents a significant leap forward in the nation’s infrastructure capabilities. With state-of-the-art technology, reliable power supply, high-speed connectivity, and round-the-clock operations, the NEA is well-positioned to enhance its service delivery and support the growing demands of commercial enterprises in the region. This facility not only strengthens the NEA’s operational efficiency but also sets a benchmark for future technological advancements in Nepal.
For more: NEA Data Center in Kathmandu
