KATHMANDU: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has inaugurated an advanced data center built to international standards, situated adjacent to the load dispatch center in Syuchatar, Kathmandu. This state-of-the-art facility, developed as part of the 'Digital NEA Program,' aims to enhance NEA's service delivery to commercial entities in the future. The three-story prefabricated building houses various facilities, including a control room for monitoring the underground power distribution system on the ground floor, office and network operation rooms on the first floor, and the data center on the top floor.

Constructed to meet Tier 3 international standards, this data center marks a significant milestone as Nepal's premier model data center. It will systematically store all IT-related servers and data for the NEA, integrating modern technologies for enhanced efficiency and reliability. Kulman Ghising, NEA’s Executive Director, has announced plans to establish a private cloud for data storage, ensuring better data management and security.

Furthermore, as part of the project, a disaster recovery center is being developed at the New Butwal substation in Sunwal, Nawalparasi, to ensure data security and continuity of operations. Until its completion, the existing data center at NEA’s head office will serve as the recovery center. The new data center boasts features like uninterrupted power supply, cooling systems, automated fire control, CCTV surveillance, and continuous monitoring, along with multiple backup systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Equipped with advanced infrastructure, including backup power generators and UPS units, the data center can handle local or national power system issues seamlessly. Optical fiber connections with alternative routes ensure reliable connectivity between the head office and the data center, facilitating efficient operations round the clock. Additionally, the data center infrastructure will oversee the automation of Kathmandu Valley's power distribution system, connecting substations and switching stations across the valley for improved efficiency.

Construction of the data center commenced in November 2021 under a contract with the Chinese company Yantai Dongfang Wisdom Electric Company and was completed in July 2021. The project, funded by the government, NEA, and a concessional loan from the Asian Development Bank, underscores a significant investment of approximately Rs 1.4 billion towards modernizing Nepal's power infrastructure and digital capabilities.