BHEL bags Rs1,000-crore Bhutan hydroelectric project contract

State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has secured a Rs1,060 crore contract for electro-mechanical equipment package for a 1,200 MW (6x200 MW) Hydroelectric project in Bhutan.

The order envisages manufacture, supply, erection and commissioning of the electro-mechanical equipment for the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric project, BHEL said in release.

The order, placed by Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA), is the single largest contract for BHEL in the hydroelectric power generation business segment.

The project is being set-up under a bilateral agreement between the Government of India, and the Royal Government of Bhutan. Located around 80 km from Thimphu on the left bank of the Punathsangchu River in Western Bhutan, the project is an environment friendly run-of-the-river scheme.

Bhutan is one of the key export territories of BHEL, where it has a predominant presence since the last 25 years in the power generation segment. The company has successfully executed three hydro projects, viz, 336 MW Chukha, 60 MW Kurichu and 1,020 MW Tala in Bhutan. These projects today account for nearly 95 per cent of the total power generating capacity in Bhutan. Hydro power is today the single biggest revenue earner of Bhutan.

Under this contract, BHEL will manufacture six Francis Turbines and generators of 200 MW each and associated equipment at its Bhopal facility while the control system will be manufactured and supplied by BHEL's Electronic Division at Bangalore.

BHEL now has a presence in the hydro sector in many countries, including Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Rwanda, Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.