Bhutan begins construction of 25-MW Begana hydropower

Bhutan has officially begun construction of the 25-megawatt Begana Integrated Multipurpose Small Hydropower Project, marking a significant step toward enhancing both energy generation and water management in the capital region.

Located along the Thimchhu River in Kawang Gewog, Thimphu, the project is expected to produce over 104 gigawatt hours of electricity annually—enough to meet the needs of approximately 25,000 to 30,000 households. In addition to boosting domestic power supply, the project is designed to improve the reliability of drinking water for Thimphu and nearby areas.

The intake structure will be built near Tango, while the powerhouse is planned for construction near Dodena at Begana. Civil works, valued at over Nu 1.5 billion, have been awarded to Rigsar Construction Private Limited.

Scheduled for completion in two years and seven months, the project is expected to strengthen Bhutan’s energy security, support rising electricity demand, create jobs, and contribute to long-term infrastructure development.

India Bhutan Cooperation on Hydropower

Recently, Indian power minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited in Bhutan to strengthen the ongoing cooperation in the hydropower sector and on future avenues in renewable energy and regional power trade. The two countries signed Tariff Protocol of Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project. They also signed the Methodology for Reactive Energy Accounting of the reactive power exchange, a technical framework aimed at enhancing grid stability, improving efficiency in cross-border electricity exchange, and streamlining bilateral power trade.