Bhutan is making significant progress in its hydropower development, with several small, medium, and mega projects either under construction or in the pipeline. Three small hydropower projects are set for commissioning this year while works are underway to start construction for a medium and a mega project within the next three years. These projects are expected to enhance the country’s domestic power supply and boost its export potential.
The first phase of Bhutan’s small hydropower projects is nearing completion. The 18-megawatt Suchhu Hydropower Project in Haa is 97 per cent complete and is set for commissioning this month.
Meanwhile, construction of the 54-MW Burganchhu Hydro Power Project in Zhemgang and the 32-MW Yungichhu Hydro Power Project in Lhuentse has passed more than 70 per cent completion. Both are expected to become operational by the third quarter of this year.
The projects, which began construction in June 2022, have a total capital investment of nearly Nu 10.5bn.
The second phase of small hydropower projects commenced in December last year, with four new projects under construction.
These include the Druk Bindu I and II Hydro Power Projects in Samtse, Gamri I and Bamukparongchhu Integrated Hydro Power Project in Trashigang, Jomori Hydro Power Project in Samdrup Jongkhar, and Begana Hydro Power Project in Thimphu.
The construction period for these projects ranges from over two to four years. Pre-construction activities, such as road access and workforce mobilisation, are currently underway.
Additionally, the 33 MW Paro Chhu Hydro Power Project has been revised to 40 MW, with construction scheduled to begin next year.
The 170-megawatt Dangchhu Hydro Power Project in Wangdue is set to begin construction in 2028, with an estimated cost of over Nu 15bn.
Additionally, the 1,125-MW Dorjilung Hydro Power Project in Monggar, a mega hydropower project, is scheduled to begin construction towards the end of this year.
With an estimated cost of almost Nu 145bn, the Dorjilung Hydro Power Project is expected to enhance the country’s energy generation capacity.
Pre-construction activities, such as road and bridge construction, are set to begin in the second quarter of this year.
According to officials, revenue projections for these projects will only be finalised once construction is complete and tariff approvals are in place.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Sonam Pem
