India to Develop 10,000MW Hydro Power in Bhutan

India to Develop 10,000MW Hydro Power in Bhutan

Ongoing cooperation between India and Bhutan in the hydropower sector is covered under the 2006 agreement on cooperation in Hydropower between the two countries and the Protocol to the 2006 agreement signed in March, 2009 thereof. Under the Protocol, Government of India has agreed to develop 10,000 MWs of hydropower in Bhutan for export of surplus power to India by 2020. Implementation Agreement has been signed for construction of following projects between India and Bhutan: Sl. No. Name of the Project Installed Capacity (MW) Total Cost Rs. (Crores) Funding Pattern Loan Grant 1. Punatsangchhu HE Project Stage-I 1200 3514.81 2108.88 (60%) 1405.92 (40%) 2. Punatsangchhu HE Project Stage-II 990 3777.80 2644.46 (70%) 1133.34 (30%) 3. Mangdechu HE Project 720 2896.30 2027.41 (70%) 868.89 (30%) Following hydro-electric projects have been developed and are in operation under Indo-Bhutan Cooperation: Sl. No. Name of the project Installed capacity (MW) Total Cost (Rs.Crores) Funding pattern (Rs.Crores) Loan Grant 1 Chukha H.E. Project 336 246.00 98.40 (40% ) 147.60 (60%) 2 Kurichu H.E. Project 60 555.00 222.00 (40% ) 333.00 (60%) 3 Tala H.E. Project 1020 4125.85 1650.34 (40% ) 2475.51 (60%) All the existing hydropower schemes in Bhutan are run-of-the-river (RoR) types which has no impact on the quantum of flow downstream of the hydropower dam. The river water is primarily used for generation of hydro electricity which is non –consumptive in nature. The diversion structures in the hydropower projects have only a minimal storage capacity for diurnal peaking purpose. The Government of Bhutan and The Government of India have since 1960s established an effective flood information sharing system whereby Bhutan notifies Assam at regular intervals over HP Radio sets on the water levels in Bhutan. Regular meeting of India – Bhutan Joint Group of Experts (JGE) on flood management also takes place to discuss/assess the probable causes and erosion in the southern foothills of Bhutan and the adjoining plain in India and to suggest appropriate measures. This information was given by the Minister of State for Power Shri K.C.Venugopal in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabhatoday