The country’s mini hydropower plants generated over Nu 50 M in revenue since they were taken over by the Druk Green Power Corporation in July 2022. The government initiated the construction of small hydropower projects across the country to meet domestic energy demands when power supply from the main grid is disrupted during times of disasters and to accelerate post-pandemic economic recovery.
Bhutan currently has 17 operational mini-hydropower plants with plans initiated to construct more in the 13th Five-Year Plan.
“We will be starting to construct new mini hydropower projects such as Gamri, Dagachhu, Yung Chhu, and Paro Chhu. Water is under-utilised here and putting it to good use will help our economy,” said Gem Tshering, Energy and Natural Resources Minister.
The construction of mini hydropower plants such as the Suchhu, Burgangchhu, Yungichhu, Druk Bindu-1 and Druk Bindu-2, Gamri, Begana, and Jomori has already been initiated.
Being one of the main drivers of the country’s economy, the mega hydropower plants generate revenue of nearly Nu 5bn during the monsoon season.
However, their power generation capacity plummet during the dry season with revenue decreasing to as low as Nu 500 M.
As a result, the country has to import electricity from India at a higher tariff. Power generated from these mini hydropower plants is expected to meet the domestic demands during the dry seasons.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Phub Gyem
