Bhutan Moves Pipeline Hydropower Projects Forward
21 January 2018
The Government of Bhutan is moving forward with Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for pipeline hydropower projects in the country, including joint ventures with the Government of India. Bhutan aims to generate another 5,178 megawatts (MW) by 2025 from these pipeline projects and those already under construction.
- DPR for the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Project has been completed, and submitted to the Royal Government of Bhutan for approval, according to Mr. Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC).
- DPR for the 2,560 MW Sunkosh Project is in its final stage, with the Government of India in the process of clearing this DPR. This project is included in the “10,000 MW by 2020” understanding between the Governments of Bhutan and India. Mr. Rinzin highlights that the Sunkosh Project would promote grid reliability by providing ancillary services and high generation possibilities in the winter months.
- DPR for the 2,640 MW Kuri Gongri Project—also included in the “10,000 MW by 2020” Bhutan-India understanding—is being prepared by the Water and Power Consultancy Service of India, under the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Bhutan. Target completion is in 2018.
- The Government of Bhutan has recently undertaken DPR for the 590 MW Chamkharchhu-II Project.
Other projects in the pipeline include the joint financing ventures between Bhutan and India: the 770 MW Chamkharchhu Project, a joint venture between the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation of India and the DGPC; the 180 MW Bunakha Project, a joint venture between Teri Hydro Development Corporation Ltd. and DGPC, and the 570 MW Wangchhu Project, a joint venture between the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. and DGPC.
Current total installed hydropower capacity of Bhutan is 1,600 MW.
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