Dorjilung Hydropower Project: India-Bhutan's Clean Energy Partnership

Dorjilung Hydropower Project – Key Highlights

Location: On the Kurichhu River in Bhutan’s Mongar and Lhuentse districts.

Capacity: 1125 MW; expected to generate 4.5 terawatt-hours annually.

Design: Run-of-the-river project with a 139.5 m dam and a 15 km tunnel leading to an underground powerhouse with 6 Francis turbines.

Partnership: Joint venture between Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and India’s Tata Power.

Funding: $1.7 billion (₹150 billion) financed by the World Bank—a shift from traditional Indian government grants to investment-based funding.

Construction: Initial works by Bhutanese contractors Chimi RD Construction and KD Builders (₹479 million).

Strategic Significance:

Marks Bhutan’s move toward private sector and equity-based models.

Supports India’s clean energy goals and strengthens bilateral ties.

Future Plans: Part of a larger initiative to develop 5000 MW clean energy capacity in Bhutan, including hydropower and 500 MW solar projects.

Regional Impact: Boosts local economy, enhances energy security, and sets a new model for regional energy cooperation.