BHEL bags Rs.1,000 Crore Mega Contract for Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan; Single-largest Hydro equipment contract for BHEL

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved another significant landmark by securing a major contract for the electro-mechanical equipment package for a 1,200 MW (6x200 MW) Hydroelectric project in Bhutan.

Valued at Rs.10,160 Million, the order envisages manufacture, supply, erection and commissioning of the electro-mechanical equipment for the 1,200 MW Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric project.

The order has been placed on BHEL by Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project Authority (PHPA), Bhutan. Significantly, this is the single largest contract for BHEL in the hydro electric power generation business segment.

The project is being set-up under a bilateral agreement between the Govt. of India, and the Royal Govt. 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% of the total power generating capacity in Bhutan which is a testimony of BHEL’s strong presence and acceptability. As a result of the installation of these power projects, hydro power is today the single biggest revenue earner of Bhutan.

For this contract, the six Francis Turbines and Generators of 200 MW each and associated equipment will be manufactured and supplied by BHEL’s Bhopal facility while the Control system will be manufactured and supplied by BHEL’s Electronic Division at Bangalore.

BHEL’s globalisation strategy is already yielding rich dividends and the company has established its footprints in all the six continents of the world spanning over 70 countries. Riding high on its dominant domestic position, BHEL is taking long strides to become a major global player by further enhancing its presence in international markets.

In the hydro sector also, its technical competence has earned worldwide acclaim, with overseas references encompassing projects in many countries including Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Rwanda, Tajikistan, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. This contract will further strengthen BHEL’s presence in the overseas Hydro business segment.