News

The 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHPA-II) successfully synchronised two units of 170 MW each with the national grid on December 17. Following the synchronisation, mandatory Grid Code tests are underway, with completion expected in a few days. Once the tests are completed, the Bhutanese System Operator will issue the Commercial Operation Date certificate. Until…

The project is estimated to cost of Nu 145 billion The construction of the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydropower Project, spanning Lhuentse and Mongar Dzongkhag, is set to commence by next year end. Preparatory activities, including building access roads, ensuring power supply, and setting up transit camps, are expected to commence in the second quarter of…

The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) has been awarded the Three-Star Gross National Happiness (GNH) of Business Certificate for its efforts to align its business operations with GNH values. With a score of 54.54 percent, which reflects performance slightly above average, DGPC has successfully integrated the nine domains of GNH into its business practices. Prime…

Project on track despite devastating July 2023 flash flood that claimed 23 lives and severely damaged headworks site With more than 71 percent of the project completed, the 32MW Yungichhu Hydropower Project in Lhuentse is on track to begin operations by September 2025. Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE), a subsidiary of Druk Green Power Corporation…

The largest partnership between leading power companies in Bhutan and India for a clean energy landscape Tapping Bhutan's immense hydro potential to make the Indian subcontinent a clean energy powerhouse To strengthen energy security and accelerate the energy transition in the region, supporting India’s 500 GW clean energy target Projects encompass 2,000 MW of hydro,…

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Fund for International Development extends its first USD 50 million (M) loan to Bhutan to boost hydropower. The OPEC Fund for International Development has signed its first loan agreement with the Kingdom of Bhutan, marking a historic milestone in the partnership. According to the Ministry of Finance…

The construction of the much-anticipated 600 MW Khorlochhu Hydropower Project will commence from November 2024 following the finalisation of the Shareholders’ Agreement between Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and Tata Power Trading Company (TPTC), which was signed on October 25, 2024, in Mumbai, India. Under this strategic partnership, the DGPC will hold a 60 percent…

The Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) is exploring the possibility of harnessing geothermal energy from potential sources across Bhutan. Geothermal energy heat offers a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing a reliable, year-round electricity source. Currently, Bhutan relies heavily on hydropower for its electricity needs, with solar energy recently gaining attention. To…

DGPC signed an agreement with the State Bank of India on October 13, 2024, in Thimphu to avail a loan of INR 14 billion. The signing ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Embassy of India, Druk Holding and Investments, as well as representatives from SBICAPs and Bank…

Bhutan’s clean energy resources and access to the vast Indian market offer promising opportunities for attracting foreign investment.  This was one of the key themes during discussions at the Bhutan Innovation Forum, which concluded on October 3.  With robust frameworks in place, the country’s portfolio of green and renewable assets—especially its hydropower—holds considerable promise for…

Bhutan is gearing up for an ambitious energy transformation over the next 15 years, aiming to add 15,000 megawatts (MW) of hydropower and between 5,000 and 6,000 MW of solar energy to its current capacity. With 2,500 MW of hydropower already operational and about 3,000 MW under construction, Bhutan plans to achieve a total installed…

The aim is to develop 1,270 MW hydro and solar power projects Bhutan has taken a major step toward expanding its renewable energy portfolio with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Bhutan Innovation Forum between Druk Holding and Investments Ltd. (DHI) and the Reliance Group. The agreement sets the stage for…