Two Units in the Bhutan Hydropower Project Are Commissioned by BHEL

By successfully commissioning two units of the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II) in Bhutan, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has reached a significant milestone. This project was carried out under a bilateral agreement between India and Bhutan and has a total capacity of 6×170 MW. These units' commissioning is the most recent development in a long-running collaboration to increase energy production in the area.

Overview of the Project
The Wangdue district in Western Bhutan is home to the greenfield hydroelectric project known as PHEP-II. It is intended to contribute to Bhutan's energy independence by producing a significant amount of renewable energy. When all six units are fully commissioned, the project is anticipated to generate 4,357 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.

Details of Turbines
Francis Turbines, which are specifically made to run at a rated head of 241 meters, are installed as part of the project. This Francis Type Hydro Turbine in Bhutan has the highest rated head, demonstrating cutting-edge engineering and technology. The turbines play a key role in optimizing energy output and efficiency.

Important Dates and Occasions
Unit 1 and Unit 2 were synchronized on December 16 and December 17, 2024, respectively. On December 17, 2024, a celebration of Bhutan's National Day was held at the project site. His Excellency Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Bhutan's Minister of Energy & Natural Resources, attended the event, demonstrating the importance of the project to the country.

The Function and Contributions of BHEL
The design, production, supply, installation, and commissioning of various electro-mechanical works were among BHEL's duties in the PHEP-II. This included synchronous generators, a SCADA system, vertical Francis turbines with a capacity of 6×170 MW, and other necessary equipment. The machinery came from BHEL's manufacturing facilities in Bengaluru, Rudrapur, Jhansi, and Bhopal.

Prior Bhutanese Projects
In Bhutan, BHEL has a solid track record of carrying out hydroelectric projects. The 4×84 MW Chukha, 4×15 MW Kurichhu, 6×170 MW Tala, and 4×180 MW Mangdechhu are notable projects. Since PHEP-II was put into service, BHEL has contributed close to 89% of Bhutan's installed capacity.

Present and Upcoming Initiatives
BHEL is aggressively growing its presence in the area. The business is currently carrying out an order for the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, which has a capacity of 6×200 MW. In Nepal, BHEL is also working on the 2×20 MW Rahughat HEP and the 4×225 MW Arun-3 HEP. Over 2.8 GW of hydro projects are still in progress, and the company has successfully completed over 3.8 GW of hydro projects abroad.

NASA Confirms 2025 PN7 Asteroid

Earth has a new space companion — a small asteroid named 2025 PN7, recently confirmed by NASA. While it is not a real moon, this near-Earth object travels around the Sun in almost the s

ChatGPT Atlas Browser

In a bold expansion of its AI ecosystem, OpenAI has launched the ChatGPT Atlas browser, a revolutionary AI-powered web browser for macOS. Unlike traditional web browsers, the ChatGPT Atlas browser

BioNEST and Clean Technology India

The Government of India is working hard to promote Clean Technology India to achieve sustainable development and zero emissions by 2047. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the BioNEST

IMAP NASA Mission Explained

The IMAP NASA mission is one of the most exciting space exploration projects of 2025. Launched in September 2025, the mission aims to explore the heliosphere, a vast protective bubble created by t

DoT FIU-IND MoU Explained

India has taken a significant step in combating cybercrimes and financial fraud by signing the DoT FIU-IND MoU. This partnership between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Financia

India Drone Warfare Modernisation

India is set to conduct one of its largest joint military exercises on India's Drone Warfare in early October 2025. The exercise, named Cold Start, will involve the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

India-AI Summit 2026

The India-AI Summit 2026 is a historic event as India becomes the first Global South nation to host a global-level AI summit. Organized by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology

Virtual Minister Diella AI in Albania

Albania has created history by appointing Diella AI Albania, the world’s first artificial intelligence-powered cabinet minister. This groundbreaking move was announced by Prime Minister Edi

Cheyava Falls Rock in Jezero Crater

NASA’s Mars exploration mission has taken a giant leap in the search for extraterrestrial life. In 2024, the Perseverance rover analyzed a unique rock sample named Cheyava Falls rock in the

Ethanol Chemical Formula C2H5OH

Ethanol, commonly known as ethyl alcohol, is one of the most widely used alcohols in the world. From being a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages to playing a vital role in industries and renewab