Bhutan to produce 10,000 MW hydel power by 2020

Bhutan: Bhutan and India will work together to meet Bhutan’s goal of producing 10,000 megawatts (MW) of hydropower by 2020.

This was the outcome of the protocol to the 2006 agreement between the two countries on hydroelectric power signed on March 16 in New Delhi, India.

An empowered joint group made up of representatives from the two governments was formed to fast track the development of hydropower projects. The group held its first meeting yesterday.

Economic affairs minister, lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk said that with the commitment from the highest levels of the two governments and the spirit behind the formation of the empowered joint group, he is confident of achieving the target of developing a minimum of 10,000 MW by 2020, if not earlier. He also expressed Bhutan’s appreciation and gratitude to the people and Government of India for the generous assistance for Bhutan’s socio-economic development over the years.

The protocol was signed between the India’s power secretary S Sampath, and the economic affairs secretary, Dasho Sonam Tshering in the presence of lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk.