NEA Engineering Company

NEA Engineering Company Ltd (NEC) stands as a testament to Nepal's commitment to harnessing its vast hydropower potential and developing robust infrastructure. Established on July 13, 2017, NEC was conceived as a government-sector engineering consultancy firm under the National Energy Crisis Reduction and Electricity Development Decade Action Plan-2072. The company was brought to life through a collaborative effort, with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) holding a 51% majority stake, and the remaining 49% shared among Vidhyut Utpadan Company Limited (VUCL), Rastriya Prasaran Grid Company Limited (RPGCL), and Hydroelectricity Investment and Development Company Ltd. (HIDCL).

Vision and Mission

NEC’s vision is to emerge as the epitome of engineering excellence in Nepal, delivering quality, efficient, and sustainable engineering solutions in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The company is dedicated to fostering indigenous engineering and design capabilities, particularly in large hydropower projects, high-voltage transmission systems, and smart economic distribution networks. Beyond national boundaries, NEC aspires to establish itself as a regional and international leader in engineering consultancy, contributing to global energy solutions while promoting self-reliance and natural excellence.

Achievements and Milestones

In its seven years of operation, NEC has already made significant contributions to Nepal’s energy and infrastructure landscape. Some of its notable achievements include:

1. Hydropower Projects

NEC has completed detailed feasibility and engineering studies for several large hydropower projects, ranging from run-of-river to peaking pondage and large storage schemes. Key projects include:

• Betan Karnali HEP (439 MW)
• Phukot Karnali (480 MW)
• Kimathanka Arun (450 MW)
• Jagdulla (106 MW)
• Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Project (31.07 MW)
• Rolwaling Khola (20.66 MW)
• Mugu Karnali (1902 MW)
• Jagdulla-A (122.20 MW)

These projects underscore NEC’s expertise in handling complex hydropower developments, from initial planning to detailed engineering design.

2. High-Voltage Transmission Lines and Substations- Detailed Design and Engineering

NEC has played a pivotal role in the development of Nepal’s high-voltage transmission infrastructure. Key accomplishments include:

• Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400 kV Transmission Line: Successfully completed and commissioned 123 km of the Inaruwa-Dhalkebar 400 kV TL as the Project Supervision Consultant.
• 400 kV Substations: Commissioned 400 kV substations at Hetauda, Dhalkebar, and Inaruwa.
• 25 MW Grid-Tied Solar Farm: Completed and commissioned the solar farm at Bidur, Trishuli.
• 400 kV Phukot-Betan-Dododhara Transmission Line: Conducted major design reviews and appointed as the Project Supervision Consultant.
• 220 kV Tumlingtar-Sitalpati TL & Substation: Completed design reviews, with construction currently underway.
• West Seti (Banlek)-Dododhara 400 kV Transmission Line Project
• Matatirtha-Dukuchhap-Sirutar-Nalagumba-Lapshiphedi-Kapan Gumba-Tinpiple 220 kV Transmission Line Project

3. Irrigation, Hydropower and Transmission Line Construction Supervision

NEC has also contributed to multipurpose irrigation and hydropower projects, including:

• Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project (BBDMP): Providing irrigation to 51,000 hectares and generating 46 MW of power.
• Rolwaling Khola HEP (22 MW)
• Upper Modi and Modi-A (42 MW)
• Upper Modi (18.2 MW)
• 400 kV Phukot-Betan-Dododhara Transmission Line
• 400 kV Hetauda-Inaruwa-Dhalkebar Transmission Line
• 400/220 kV Hetauda/Inaruwa/Dhalkebar GIS Substatation
• 25 MW Grid-Tied Solar Farm at Trishuli

4. Master Plans and Strategic Studies

Beyond individual projects, NEC has completed numerous strategic studies and master plans, such as:

• National Electricity Distribution, Transmission, and Distributed Generation Master Plan
• Integrated Mini-Grid Master Plan

5. Review of Detailed Engineering Design

• Simbuwa Khola HEP (70.34 MW)
• Ghunsa Khola HEP (77.5 MW)
• Nalgad HEP (417 MW)

Future Outlook

NEC is strategically positioned to sustain its upward trajectory of growth and innovation. With a proven track record in the energy sector, particularly in hydropower, transmission line and infrastructure development, the company is exceptionally well-equipped to address the evolving challenges of the modern energy landscape. 

By capitalizing on its deep technical expertise and commitment to nurturing local talent, NEC is not only positioned to fulfill Nepal’s growing demand for high-quality consulting services in energy and infrastructure but also to make meaningful contributions to the global energy sector. The company’s focus on sustainable and innovative solutions aligns with the urgent need for climate-conscious development, enabling it to play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and low-carbon future.

In essence, NEC’s dual emphasis on local impact and global relevance positions it as a key contributor to both Nepal’s developmental goals and the worldwide transition toward sustainable energy and infrastructure systems. This strategic approach ensures that NEC remains at the forefront of innovation, driving progress in the energy sector while addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

Conclusion

NEA Engineering Company Ltd. has established itself as a cornerstone of Nepal’s engineering and energy sectors. Through its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, NEC is not only transforming Nepal’s energy landscape but also setting a benchmark for engineering excellence in the region. As the company continues to expand its portfolio and capabilities, it remains dedicated to its vision of becoming a globally recognized leader in engineering consultancy, driving progress and prosperity for Nepal and beyond.