First turbines of PHPA-II spin as project inches closer to full operation

Kuensel | Chencho Dema | August 16, 2024

Thirteen years after the inter-governmental agreement between Bhutan and India for the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project was signed on April 30, 2010, the hydropower project achieved a major milestone yesterday with the first two out of the six turbines successfully operated.

This signals the commissioning of one of the most eagerly anticipated mega hydropower projects in the country. The next phase will involve integrating these turbines with the electrical and communication systems, leading to full-scale energy production.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Gyem Tshering, who attended the ceremony, described the event as a landmark moment that marks the beginning of a new chapter in the shared journey of Bhutan and India towards completing this project.

The minister said that what started as a bold vision has now become a reality, showcasing the strength and depth of the partnership. “This achievement is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through cooperation and shared vision. It stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainable development, energy security, and the enduring friendship between our nations,” he added.

The project, initially scheduled for completion in  2017, faced delays due to geographical challenges, flash floods, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the discovery of a significant shear zone at the dam foundation.

Despite these obstacles, the project successfully navigated these challenges.

Chief Engineer of the Department of Energy, Ugyen, said that this is a historic moment since a Francis turbine for a mega project is used for the first time in the country. “All existing hydropower plants currently in operation use Pelton turbines.”

As testing and commissioning of the initial turbines begin, the remaining units are scheduled to come online in the coming months. By December, all six turbines are expected to be operational and will start feeding power into the grid.

The chief engineer added that they don’t have to wait for all six units to spin. “These two units will now undergo some tests, and once done, it will feed electricity into the grid in the coming days,” he said.

The project, with an estimated cost of Nu 94.45 billion, has already achieved several key milestones, including the reservoir filling on  February 21, the filling of headrace tunnel on June 27, tailrace tunnel on August 2 and the pressure shaft on August 12. The PHPA-II is jointly implemented by the Bhutanese government and the government of India. The project currently has 763  employees and another 2,944  workers on-site as of July 31, 2023.