NEA's cutting-edge data center comes into operation

KATHMANDU, June 12: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has launched a top-of-the-line data center meeting global standards.

Situated alongside the load dispatch center in Syuchatar, Kathmandu, this state-of-the-art facility is geared to cater to future needs of commercial enterprises.

Comprising a three-story prefabricated structure, the ground level serves as a control hub for monitoring and securing the Kathmandu Valley's underground power distribution network. The first floor accommodates office and network operation rooms, while the uppermost floor houses the data center itself.

Aligned with Tier 3 international benchmarks, this pioneering data center is a flagship initiative under the 'Digital NEA Program,' aimed at modernizing service delivery.

NEA's Executive Director Kulman Ghising said, “It is designed to consolidate and efficiently manage all IT servers and data for the Authority, with plans underway to establish a private cloud for storage.”

In addition, a disaster recovery center is being established at the New Butwal substation in Sunwal, Nawalparasi, bolstering data security measures.

Equipped with 40 IT racks, including 36 server racks and 4 network racks, the facility boasts robust infrastructure, including uninterrupted power supply, cooling systems, automated fire suppression, CCTV surveillance, and round-the-clock monitoring.

With redundant systems in place, power disruptions are mitigated by two 1 MW generators and two 300 kVA modular UPS units, backed by lithium-ion batteries for enhanced reliability.

Furthermore, maintenance and equipment upgrades can be carried out seamlessly without disrupting operations.

Ensuring connectivity, the data center is linked to NEA's head office through optical fiber connections via Teku and Balaju, with dedicated staff operating the facility 24/7.

Beyond data management, the infrastructure encompasses monitoring and control systems for the ongoing underground distribution network project in Kathmandu Valley, facilitating automation across substations and switching stations.

Moreover, the center accommodates a charging station for up to three electric vehicles simultaneously.

Construction, undertaken by the Chinese firm Yantai Dongfang Wisdom Electric Company since July 2021, was financed through government funding, NEA contributions, and a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank, totaling approximately Rs 1.4 billion.