BBS | Karma Samten Wangda | August 30, 2024
Since its commissioning in January this year, the 118-megawatt Nikachhu Hydropower Plant in Trongsa has already generated approximately Nu 514 M in revenue. This was made from over 155 million units of electricity exported to India.
Since its commissioning on January 25, the Nikachhu Hydropower Plant in Trongsa has been exporting electricity to the Power Trading Company of India at a rate of Nu 3.3 per unit. This is in accordance with the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement signed between the two countries.
The power generated by the Nikachhu Hydropower Plant was first connected to Bhutan’s national grid on January 18.
As of July, the plant has distributed over 38 million units of electricity domestically, earning more than Nu 146 M in revenue at the domestic rate of Nu 3.89 per unit. This project is implemented by Tangsibji Hydro Energy Limited, the implementing agency of the Nikachhu project.
Rinzin Norbu, head of the maintenance unit at Tangsibji Hydro Energy Limited said “till date, our machines are working fine and our team is continuously monitoring day and night. We are sure that the machines are working fine and we are also sure that Nikachu will benefit our nation.”
The Nikachhu Hydropower Plant is expected to generate around 491 million units of electricity annually. This is expected to yield an annual revenue of approximately Nu 1.6bn.
Rinzin Norbu said “as for the power generation, we are left with two to three months of monsoon. So, if there is rain in the upper stream, in Pelela, Sephu and Chendebji area, we are hopeful that we will achieve our generation target.”
During the lean months from November to April, the plant is projected to produce approximately 105 million units of electricity. Once this off-peak season ends, the plant anticipates exporting all of its generated power to India.
The project was funded by the Asian Development Bank, the South Indian Bank, the Export-Import Bank of India and the Druk Green Power Corporation.
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