Bhutan to Export Hydropower Globally

Hydropower hot spot Bhutan takes a plan to reach hydropower operatives from global arena for better utilization of its untapped potential of over 25,000MW.

“With known high potential in hydropower, Bhutan is a place of interest for many big players from the whole globe. It was clearly visible during all our recent business road shows in many countries. It is a good opportunity for Bhutan to utilize foreign investment,” said Consul General of Bhutan Dasho Tsering Wangda.

At present, practically India is the only country to have major footprint in Bhutan’s hydropower sector. But as a policy matter:

“Now we have decided to open up our hydropower sector at global level. Being situated at strategic location encircled with large economies and a liberalized FDI policy in hand, Bhutan is now keen and ready to expand its hydropower horizon to ensure best possible global level utilization of its potential,” added Wangda.

“Water is to us what oil is to Arab.” This is a popular statement made by the King of Bhutan while speaking of Bhutan’s largest exportable produce- Hydropower. The country of a population of around 7 lakh hosts a hydropower potential of 30,000 MW against its existing domestic need of around 500MW.

However, under an Indo-Bhutan power sector agreement of 2006, India was to receive 5000MW extra hydropower from Bhutan by the year 2020. It had been subsequently increased to 10,000 MW.

“This commitment to India is still our first priority. Bhutan will explore fresh foreign investment possibilities in hydropower sector only after fulfillment of that,” clarified Mr. Wangda.