Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has announced the successful commissioning of the first two units of the 6×170 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan. This greenfield hydroelectric project is being developed under a bilateral agreement between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan. The project is located in Bhutan’s Wangdue district.
Key Features of PHEP-II:
- Francis Turbine Technology: The project employs Francis turbines, which are a type of reaction turbine designed for electricity generation from water. The turbines at PHEP-II are specifically engineered to operate at a rated head of 241 meters, the highest for any Francis hydro turbine in Bhutan.
- Power Generation: Upon commissioning all six units, the project is expected to generate 4,357 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually.
BHEL’s Role and Contribution:
- BHEL has been a major contributor to Bhutan’s hydropower infrastructure, with successful execution of projects like:
- 4×84 MW Chukha
- 4×15 MW Kurichhu
- 6×170 MW Tala
- 4×180 MW Mangdechhu
- With the commissioning of these two units at PHEP-II, BHEL’s contribution now accounts for nearly 89% of the total installed capacity in Bhutan.
- In addition to PHEP-II, BHEL is also working on the 6×200 MW Punatsangchhu-I hydroelectric project (HEP) in Bhutan.
(Source: Moneycontrol)
