India and Bhutan ink deal for hydel projects

New Delhi: India and Bhutan have signed new memorandum of understanding (MoU) for four new hydel projects and initiating consultancy services for preparing a transmission grid master plan.

The MoU is for initiating detailed project report (DPR) work for Amochu Reservoir (620 MW), Kuri-Gongri (1800 MW), Kholongchu (486 MW) and Chamkharchu-I (670 MW) projects in Bhutan.

Presently, three projects — Chukha (336 MW), Karichu (60 MW) and Tala (1,020 MW), which as constructed through Indian assistance — are already under operation in Bhutan, while the 1,200 MW Punatsangchu project (Stage-I) is under construction.

The Government of Bhutan is planning to develop over 10,000 MW of hydel power by 2020. At least, 10 mega hydel projects will be constructed by 2020 for having a total installed capacity of 11,626 MW.

On the transmission grid plan, the MoU between Bhutan's Department of Energy (DoE), and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) covers the commissioning of a comprehensive transmission grid study.

Th study will take into consideration the existing hydropower stations in Bhutan and the associated transmission system already in place, along with the domestic demand at present and for the future.