India, Bhutan review hydropower projects, cross-border transmission plans

New Delhi: India and Bhutan on Tuesday discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the power sector, with a focus on hydropower projects, cross-border transmission planning and operational issues, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Power.

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Bhutan’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Gem Tshering met Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shripad Naik in New Delhi to review the long-standing partnership between the two countries in the power sector.

Focus on Punatsangchhu hydropower projects

During the meeting, the two sides deliberated on the commercial optimisation of power generation from the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, which has an installed capacity of 1,020 MW.

Discussions also emphasised the early commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, with an installed capacity of 1,200 MW, the ministry said.

Sankosh project, transmission planning reviewed

The talks also covered the way forward for the proposed Sankosh Hydropower Project. In addition, India and Bhutan reviewed cross-border transmission links and assessed requirements up to 2040.

The ministers discussed the need to streamline approvals related to the scheduling of power, particularly during lean months in Bhutan, when generation is lower.

Longstanding cooperation

India–Bhutan cooperation in hydropower dates back to 1961, with a formal agreement on hydroelectric power cooperation signed in 2006.

According to the ministry, the ministers reiterated the strong friendship between the two countries and expressed their intent to further deepen cooperation in the power sector.

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