Sunkosh downsized, economically not viable

The Sunkosh hydropower project will now be a stand-alone project without the irrigation component, which was opted earlier.  The capacity has been downsized from its original capacity of 4,060 Megawatt. The original capacity which is 4,060 Mgawatt will now be 2,560 Megawatt hydro power project. This was decided at the 8th empowered joint-group meeting held in New Delhi, India earlier this month.

The Bhutanese delegation was led by the Economic Affairs minister. Speaking at the press conference last morning, Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said that the Sunkosh hydropower project was downsized as it was economically not viable. “The main reason is that if we are to carry out 4,060 Megawatt the cost would be over 213 billion. That would have taken up the cost of electricity generated by over Nu. 8.”

Lyonpo also added the meeting decided to down the cost and reduce the dam from 265 metres to 215 metres.  “The cost is coming down by the less than 100 billion. Based on this the cost of electricity will be little more than Nu. 3, which makes the project viable.”

The detailed project report for Sunkosh hydro power project will be carried out by a consultant firm, Teri hydropower Development Corporation.  Lyonpo said they are planning to start the project by the end of this year or early next year.

The empowered joint group meeting also discussed on the joint venture projects.

Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said the meeting was a success. He added that the progress of 10,000 Megawatt projects with the deadline 2020 is on track.

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