New Delhi: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), a leading state-run enterprise, has achieved another significant milestone by successfully commissioning two units of the Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan. The project, which forms part of a bilateral agreement between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan, is a greenfield venture located in the Wangdue district of Western Bhutan.

PHEP-II is equipped with advanced Francis Turbines, designed to operate at a rated head of 241 meters, marking the highest such configuration for any Francis type hydro turbine in Bhutan. Once all six units of the project are operational, the annual power generation is expected to reach 4,357 gigawatt-hours. The first and second units of the 6x170 MW project were synchronized on 16 and 17 December 2024, respectively.

BHEL's role in the project encompasses the complete design, manufacture, supply, installation, and commissioning of the electro-mechanical works. This includes 6x170 MW vertical Francis turbines, matching synchronous generators, control and monitoring (SCADA) systems, generator transformers, shunt reactors, busducts, pothead yards, and associated auxiliaries.

The equipment for PHEP-II was supplied by BHEL’s manufacturing units in Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur, and Bengaluru, along with the Transmission Business Group. The on-site erection and commissioning were executed by the Power Sector-Eastern Region division based in Kolkata.

BHEL has a substantial history of contributing to Bhutan’s hydropower sector, having executed major projects like Chukha (4x84 MW), Kurichhu (4x15 MW), Tala (6x170 MW), and Mangdechhu (4x180 MW). With the addition of the two units at PHEP-II, BHEL’s installations now account for nearly 89% of Bhutan's total installed capacity.

In addition to PHEP-II, BHEL is currently working on the 6x200 MW Punatsangchhu-I hydroelectric project in Bhutan. The company’s international portfolio extends beyond Bhutan, with ongoing projects such as the Arun-3 hydroelectric project (4x225 MW) and the Rahughat hydroelectric project (2x20 MW) in Nepal. BHEL has already executed over 3.8 GW of hydro projects abroad and is currently handling more than 2.8 GW of hydro projects under execution.

BI Bureau