Journal International Association on Electricity Generation Transmission and Distribution
Year : 2010, Volume : 22and23, Issue : 1
First page : ( 21) Last page : ( 32)
Print ISSN : 2250-012X. Online ISSN : 2229-4449.

Accelerated Development of Hydropower in Bhutan -Private Sector Participation

Gupta Amit, Dy. Chief Engineer & Project Manager, Jain Rajat, Engineer

WAPCOS Limited, Wangdue, Bhutan Email: amit_gupta_amit_gupta@yahoo.co.in, rajatpisces@gmaiI.com.

Abstract

The enchanting country of Bhutan is bestowed with renewable non-exhaustive natural water resource, which is the life line of any nation. Having realized the significance of this resource, Bhutan has already taken up concrete steps towards harnessing the available hydro power potential, which shall not only meet the energy demand of its neighbour(s) but also has proved to be the backbone of Bhutanese economy, To add upon the present hydro power assets in Bhutan, Bhutan is presently implementing 10 numbers of major hydro electric projects totalling to installed capacity ofmore than 10,000 MW with the support of Government of India through active participation of public sector. However, still remains is the exploitation of the balance of more than 12,000 MW of economically exploitable hydro power potential in Bhutan which shall warrant huge investments, enormous resources and meticulous planning. This mammoth task necessarily demands for the private sector participation, besides the role of Government to ensure the timely achievement of the goals. The path of private participation in hydro power sector in Bhutan is although at a nascent stage and is challenging but with due caution, if implemented can transform the power scenario across the nation. This paper focuses upon the available various models of private participation, on the basis of success story of other developing nations and the requirement of policy framework in this respect.

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