BHEL Commissions Unit-1 & 2 of Punatsangchhu-II Hydro Project

New Delhi, January 8: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned Unit-1 and Unit-2 of the 6×170 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan. This greenfield project, located in the Wangdue district of Western Bhutan, is part of a bilateral agreement between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan.

The project marks a significant milestone with the installation of a Francis Turbine capable of operating at a record-rated head of 241 meters, the highest for any such turbine in Bhutan. Once all six units are operational, the project is expected to generate 4,357 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, contributing significantly to Bhutan’s renewable energy capacity.

The commissioning of Unit-1 and Unit-2 was completed on December 16 and 17, 2024, respectively. A special ceremony coinciding with Bhutan’s National Day was held at the project site on December 17, 2024, attended by Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Bhutan’s Minister of Energy & Natural Resources and Chairman of PHPA-II.

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BHEL’s comprehensive role in PHEP-II included the design, manufacture, supply, installation, and commissioning of electro-mechanical equipment, such as Vertical Francis Turbines, Synchronous Generators, and the SCADA system. These components were supplied by BHEL’s facilities in Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur, and Bengaluru, with site execution carried out by its Power Sector-Eastern Region division in Kolkata.

BHEL’s contribution to Bhutan’s installed hydroelectric capacity now stands at nearly 89%, with past projects including Chukha, Kurichhu, Tala, and Mangdechhu. The company is also advancing its regional presence by executing additional hydro projects in Bhutan and Nepal.