Adani Power and Bhutan’s state-owned Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have signed a Shareholders Agreement for the development of the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan. Located on the Chamkarchhu River in Zhemgang District, the peaking run-of-river project will be developed under a 49:51 equity partnership between the two companies.
The project will follow a 30-year Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. Construction is expected to begin in the first half of 2027, with commissioning targeted six years after the start of construction. It is expected to support Bhutan’s winter power requirements and facilitate surplus green power exports to India during summer.
“We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan and DGPC through the Chamkharchhu Hydroelectric Project. Hydropower will play a pivotal role in accelerating South Asia’s energy transition, and this project will contribute significantly to enhancing energy security, reducing carbon intensity, and advancing shared sustainability goals. While the project is expected to help meet Bhutan’s peak winter electricity requirements, it will also enable the export of surplus green power to India during the summer months, creating long-term value for both nations,” said Anil Sardana, Managing Director, Adani Power Ltd.
“This partnership marks another significant milestone in Bhutan’s hydropower development journey and further strengthens the long-standing energy partnership between Bhutan and India. The 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I Hydropower Project will contribute to strengthening Bhutan’s energy security, particularly during the winter months, while creating opportunities to optimise and export surplus clean energy to India. Beyond the project itself, this collaboration reflects our shared commitment to developing Bhutan’s renewable energy resources through strong partnerships and responsible, efficient project delivery. We look forward to working closely with Adani Power to realise this important project and to advancing further opportunities under the broader hydropower development partnership,” said Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, MD, DGPC.
The project is the second major hydropower collaboration between Adani Power and DGPC, following their 570 MW Wangchhu Hydroelectric Project agreement. Both companies are also evaluating additional projects under their broader 5,000 MW hydropower development programme.