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Key Points

Bhutan has successfully completed its massive Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project. The 1020 MW facility's final unit was synchronised with the power grid this week. This achievement boosts Bhutan's total power capacity by 40% to over 3500 MW. The project represents another milestone in India and Bhutan's longstanding energy partnership.

Key Points: Bhutan Punatsangchhu-II Hydro Project Complete Boosts Power 40%

  • Final unit synchronisation marks project completion with 1020 MW capacity
  • Bhutan's total installed power generation now exceeds 3500 megawatts
  • India-Bhutan partnership developed five major hydro projects together
  • Ceremony attended by PM Tshering Tobgay and Indian officials
2 min read

Bhutan completes Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project, power capacity rises 40 per cent

Bhutan's power capacity surges 40% to over 3500 MW as the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project is completed with Indian partnership.

"Today, with the synchronisation of the last and final unit... the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project achieved its successful completion. - Embassy of India in Thimphu"

Thimphu, August 28

The 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan has been successfully completed with the synchronisation of its last and final unit, Unit 6 (170 MW), with the power grid, the Embassy of India in Thimphu said on Wednesday.

"Today, with the synchronisation of the last and final unit [Unit 6 (170 MW)] with the power grid, the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project achieved its successful completion. A ceremony was held at the project's powerhouse to mark the occasion," the Embassy of India in Thimphu said.

Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan; Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela; Anurag Agarwal, Special Secretary & Financial Adviser, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Dasho Karma Tshering, Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Natural Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan; Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India; Aditya Sharma, Member (D&R), Central Water Commission, Government of India; Prakash Chand Upadhyaya, Managing Director, Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project Authority; project management team; other officials of Government of India and Royal Government of Bhutan; and representatives of WAPCOS as well as contractors participated in the ceremony, the Embassy added.

India and Bhutan enjoy longstanding and mutually beneficial cooperation in the hydropower sector. Both governments have partnered in the development of five major hydropower projects in Bhutan, viz. Chukha HEP (336 MW), Kurichhu HEP (60 MW), Tala HEP (1020 MW), Mangdechhu HEP (720 MW) and Punatsangchhu-II HEP (1020 MW), the Embassy noted.

With the completion of the Punatsangchhu-II project, Bhutan's installed power generation capacity has increased by about 40 per cent to over 3500 MW.

In consonance with the Joint Vision Document on the India-Bhutan Energy Partnership of March 2024, both sides will continue to work together to enhance their partnership in the clean energy sector through the development of new energy projects, the Embassy of India said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful achievement! These hydro projects not only provide clean energy but also strengthen our special relationship with Bhutan. Hoping this leads to more affordable electricity in the northeastern states too.
R
Rohit P
Great to see South Asian neighbors working together on sustainable development. Bhutan's hydropower potential is enormous and India's technical expertise makes this a win-win partnership. More such projects please!
S
Sarah B
While this is impressive, I hope proper environmental impact assessments were conducted. Himalayan ecosystems are fragile and we need to balance development with conservation.
V
Vikram M
ज़बरदस्त! 1020 MW is massive. This shows what can be achieved when countries work together with mutual trust and respect. Bhutan gets revenue from power exports, India gets clean energy - perfect synergy!
K
Kavya N
Heartwarming to see such positive news from our neighborhood. In times when many countries are fighting, India and Bhutan show how cooperation leads to prosperity for both. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

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