Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned two units of the 6×170 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan. Located in the Wangdue district, PHEP-II is a significant greenfield project executed under a bilateral agreement between India and Bhutan.
The project features a state-of-the-art Francis Turbine designed to operate at a record 241-meter rated head—the highest for this turbine type in Bhutan. Once all six units are operational, PHEP-II will generate 4,357 GWh of power annually. Units 1 and 2 were synchronized on December 16 and 17, 2024, coinciding with Bhutan’s National Day celebrations.
BHEL’s comprehensive scope in PHEP-II includes design, manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning of electro-mechanical equipment, including Vertical Francis Turbines, synchronous generators, SCADA systems, transformers, and associated auxiliaries. Equipment was sourced from BHEL’s facilities in Bhopal, Jhansi, Rudrapur, Bengaluru, and its Transmission Business Group, with on-site execution by the Power Sector-Eastern Region division.
This achievement cements BHEL’s dominant position in Bhutan’s hydropower sector, contributing nearly 89% of the country’s installed capacity with past projects like Chukha, Kurichhu, Tala, and Mangdechhu. Additionally, BHEL is advancing its regional footprint with ongoing projects, including the 6×200 MW Punatsangchhu-I HEP in Bhutan and significant hydro projects in Nepal.
With over 3.8 GW of hydro projects executed internationally and 2.8 GW under development, BHEL continues to drive sustainable energy solutions globally.
