Bhel Commissions Punatsangchhu Hep 2 (Phep2) In Bhutan

BHEL COMMISSIONS PUNATSANGCHHU HEP 2 (PHEP2) IN BHUTAN

• In January 2025, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) successfully commissioned 2 units of the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan, marking a significant achievement in the company’s portfolio.
• The project is part of a bilateral agreement between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan, aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between the 2 nations.
• This success further solidifies BHEL’s presence and contribution to Bhutan’s energy infrastructure.

KEY ASPECTS

• Project Overview:
  • Location: The Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project is situated in the Wangdue district of Western Bhutan, a region known for its hydroelectric potential.
  • Capacity: The project has a total installed capacity of 1,020 MW, with 6 units of 170 MW
  • Annual Power Generation: Once fully commissioned, the project is expected to generate 4,357 GWh (Gigawatt-hours) of electricity annually, making it a significant contributor to Bhutan’s power grid and export capacity.
• Technological Excellence:
  • Francis Turbine: The turbines used in the project are Francis Type turbines, designed to operate at a rated head of 241 meters, which is the highest for any such turbine in Bhutan.
  • The turbines are engineered to deliver high efficiency and performance, designed to the unique topographical and hydrological conditions of the site.
• BHEL’s Role in the Project:
  • BHEL was responsible for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, and commissioning of the electro-mechanical works for the project.
  • This includes 6×170 MW vertical Francis turbines, matching synchronous generators, a SCADA system for control and monitoring, generator transformers, shunt reactors, and auxiliary systems.
  • The equipment for the project was manufactured in BHEL’s plants located in Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur, Bengaluru, and its transmission business group.
  • On-site commissioning was carried out by BHEL’s Power Sector Eastern Region division based in Kolkata.
• Commissioning Timeline:
  • Unit 1 and Unit 2 of the PHEP-II were successfully synchronized on December 16 and 17, 2024, respectively.
  • The full commissioning of all 6 units will complete the project, contributing to the power supply in Bhutan and its energy exports.

BHEL’S ONGOING PARTICIPATION IN HEP DEVELOPMENT OF BHUTAN

• BHEL’s involvement in Bhutan’s hydroelectric sector dates back to several key projects, including:
  • Chukha (4×84 MW)
  • Kurichhu (4×15 MW)
  • Tala (6×170 MW)
  • Mangdechhu (4×180 MW)
• With the commissioning of PHEP-II, BHEL’s contribution to Bhutan’s total installed power capacity now stands at an impressive 89%.
• This shows BHEL’s important role in helping Bhutan achieve its energy goals and strengthen its position as a regional leader in hydroelectric power generation.
• Additionally, BHEL is working on another major project, the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-I), which has a capacity of 6×200 MW.
• This will further extend BHEL’s contribution to Bhutan’s energy infrastructure.

BHEL’S ROLE

• The commissioning of PHEP-II is a significant milestone in the long-standing energy cooperation between India and Bhutan.
• Bhutan, a country with abundant hydropower resources, has been a key partner in India’s energy import strategy, with much of Bhutan’s hydroelectric output being exported to India.
• This partnership not only helps Bhutan generate revenue but also aids India in meeting its energy demands.
• BHEL’s contributions to these projects strengthen the bilateral relationship and ensure a reliable energy supply for both countries.

ABOUT BHEL

• BHEL is a state-run company involved in the design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, testing, and servicing of products and services for the core sectors of the economy, including power, transmission, transportation, and infrastructure.
• As of September 2024, the Government of India holds a 17% stake in the company, which remains one of India’s largest public sector enterprises.

Conclusion: BHEL’s Strategic Role in South Asia’s Energy Landscape

The successful commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project marks a significant achievement for BHEL in its ongoing efforts to support Bhutan’s hydropower capabilities. With nearly 89% of Bhutan’s installed capacity being contributed by BHEL, the company has firmly established itself as a leader in the region’s energy sector.

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