Context:
Recently, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) successfully commissioned two units of the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan.
About PHEP-II Project
- PHEP-II is a greenfield hydroelectric project in the Wangdue district of Western Bhutan.
- This project was executed under a bilateral agreement between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan.
- It will play a crucial role in meeting Bhutan’s energy needs and in the export of power to India, thus contributing to energy security in the region.
- Hydroelectric power projects, in particular, play a pivotal role in India’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- The erection and commissioning of the plant on-site were carried out by BHEL’s Power Sector-Eastern Region division, based in Kolkata.
- It is funded by the Government of India (GoI): 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest.
- All the surplus power from the project will be exported to India.
Salient Features of the Project
- The Francis Turbine at the site is designed to operate at a rated head of 241 meters, the highest for any Francis Type Hydro Turbine in Bhutan.
- Upon full commissioning of all six units, the expected annual power generation will be 4,357 gigawatt-hours.
- Underground powerhouse dimensions: 240.7m long, 23m wide, 51m high.
- Diversion tunnel: 877.46m long, 12m diameter, with a discharge capacity of 1,118 cubic meters of water per second.
- Concrete gravity dam: 91m high, 223.8m long.
About BHEL
- BHEL is India’s largest engineering and manufacturing enterprise in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
- Established in 1964.
- The Government of India granted BHEL Maharatna status on February 1, 2013.
- It offers comprehensive products, systems, and services across power generation (thermal, hydro, gas, nuclear, solar PV), transmission, transportation, defense, aerospace, oil and gas, and emerging sectors like battery storage and EV chargers.
- It has a pan-India presence with 16 manufacturing units and 140+ project sites, including overseas.
- Global Hydroelectric Projects: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Rwanda, Thailand, New Zealand, Nepal and Vietnam.