BHEL commissions Unit I of Bhutan’s Chhukha hydro-electric project

After BHEL commissions four more projects in Bhutan, the PSU’s contribution to Bhutan’s total power generating capacity would be 93%

New Delhi: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned the Unit-1 of the 4×84 MW Chhukha hydro-electric project (HEP) in Bhutan, following complete renovation and modernisation (R&M) of the generator.

The Unit-3 of the same project, built on Chhukha River, was earlier commissioned by BHEL last year and has been running efficiently since. With the commissioning of Unit-1, BHEL has successfully executed the R&M contract for 2 units (Units-1&3). The projects were handed over to BHEL by Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), Bhutan.

DGPC appreciates BHEL's efforts

Appreciating BHEL's efforts in timely completion of the job, DGPC in their commendation letter wrote, "We appreciate the efforts made by BHEL experts towards this R&M work which has led to result-oriented performance and we look forward to continued support from BHEL in future."

DGPC had placed the R&M order for Chhukha hydropower plant on BHEL for replacement of Generator Stator and Rotor Coils for Units 1&3. These machines were originally supplied and commissioned by BHEL in the 1980s and were running successfully since then. BHEL's units at Bhopal and Bengaluru have provided the equipment and technical support for this R&M job.

The backdrop

BHEL has executed major projects like Chhukha, Kurichu and Tala in Bhutan till date and is presently executing prestigious export orders for 6×200 MW Punatsangchhu-I, 6×170 MW Punatsangchhu-II and 4×180 MW Mangdechhu projects. After these projects are commissioned, BHEL's contribution to the total power generating capacity of Bhutan would rise to 93 percent.

BHEL is presently executing hydro-electric projects of around 3,000 MW across the country, in addition to 3,904 MW abroad, which includes 2,940 MW in Bhutan and 900 MW in Nepal. Significantly, orders for more than 500 hydro-electric generating sets of various ratings with a cumulative capacity of more than 30,000 MW have been placed with BHEL. At least 6,680 MW in this order is meant for overseas projects. BHEL's hydro plants are successfully performing in India and across the world, including countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Rwanda, Thailand, New Zealand, Nepal and Vietnam.