Adani Power, Bhutan's DGPC ink 770 MW hydropower deal
Adani Power and Bhutan's DGPC partner for the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I project. Construction starts in 2027 to boost regional energy security.
In a major move to bolster regional energy security, Adani Power and Bhutan's state-owned Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have officially signed an agreement to develop the massive 770-megawatt Chamkharchhu-I Hydroelectric Project. This partnership marks a significant step in the expanding energy cooperation between India and Bhutan.
Project Details and Timeline
The Chamkharchhu-I project, situated on the Chamkharchhu River in Bhutan's Zhemgang District, will be executed through a 49:51 equity partnership between Adani Power and DGPC. The development will follow the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model, granting a 30-year concession from the date of commercial operations begin.
Key milestones for the project include:
- Construction Commencement: Expected in the first half of 2027.
- Commissioning Target: Aimed to be completed within six years of breaking ground.
Strengthening Energy Security
The project is designed to address critical seasonal energy needs. According to Adani Power Managing Director Anil Sardana, the hydropower initiative will play a vital role in South Asia's energy transition by reducing carbon intensity and enhancing sustainability.
The strategic benefits of the project are two-fold:
- For Bhutan: It will significantly bolster the nation's electricity supply, particularly during the demanding winter months.
- For India: The project creates a pathway to export surplus clean energy to India during the summer periods.
“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,” said Anil Sardana.
A Growing Partnership
This agreement is not an isolated venture but part of a much larger energy roadmap. The Chamkharchhu-I project follows the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydroelectric Project agreement signed in September 2025. Both collaborations fall under a massive 5,000-megawatt hydropower development partnership between the Adani Group and the Royal Government of Bhutan, established via a memorandum in May 2025.
DGPC Managing Director Dasho Chhewang Rinzin emphasized that the project will optimize Bhutan's ability to export surplus clean energy, further strengthening the economic and energy ties between the two nations. Both organizations have indicated they are actively evaluating further hydropower opportunities to fulfill the broader 5,000 MW development programme.