Bhutan targets global hydropower market

Better utilization of its untapped potential. 

Bhutan plans to reach global hydropower operatives for its over hydropower 25,000MW potential.

At present, practically India is the only country to have major footprint in Bhutan's hydropower sector.

But as a policy, the country has decided to open up our hydropower sector at global level.

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 .

Bhutan is now exporting entire amount of its excess hydropower of over 1500 MW out of its total production of around 2000MW to India. The trade makes India as the largest importer of Bhutan produce while significantly contribution to Bhutan's economic growth of over 20% per annum.

"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.

"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.

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