The Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (PHPA-I) is among the Bhutan largest infrastructure projects with the goal of exploiting the country’s plentiful hydropower potential. Launched in 2008, but the plan to complete it was for the end of year 2016. Construction of Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project faced several delays that have again extended completion into a further date. PHPA-I to require at least four more years to complete, by 2028.
Challenges
One main reason has been geological problems which include a string of slows that recently occurred in the dam site. These occurrences, inclusive of the most recent one in 2013, have seen construction slow down, or even come to a stand-still, and the project design put under review. Concerns were raised over the structural stability of the right bank of the river where Kadisha Dam is anchored. Consequently, they implemented measures in the affected areas to prevent landslides before proceeding with any further work.
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The project developers recently that they will construct a dam instead of a barrage despite it’s geological disadvantages. Construction of the dam considered an advantage in water storage and regulation of river flows. But this decision has also increased the time line of the completion, given a new time line of four years from the present one.
Construction of other major parts of this Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project still developed and several have already been completed. Additionally, the project team has constructed the headrace tunnel, which channels water to the power generation units, as well as the intake structure. Also, the project has made tremendous progress in addressing the infrastructure required for undertaking the project activity.
The overall completion cost of the project foreseen to go over and above Nu 100 billion. Originally envisaged at a lower cost. The government of Bhutan and the project’s primary partner, the government of India has remained vigilant and continues to counter these challenges to complete the project.
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Significance
On completion, the Punatsangchhu-I project will have the installed capacity of 1,200 MW and will offer a big boost to the exports of power to India as well as the Bhutanese economy. The energy produced will not only cater for domestics demand of Bhutan but it will also eventually export excess electricity to India which will enhance energy relations between the two countries.
The development of the project is under observation since it is a step toward achieving the future plan of Bhutan, being a dominant hydro-power country in the region. When successful, the PHPA-I will become central to Bhutan’s development process, offering energy security in exchange for revenue through energy sales.
Despite the odds Bhutan has encountered throughout its unyielding commitment to the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project, the country’s resolve remains strong. Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project Authority emphasize acquiring the remaining geophysical data and addressing the time required to complete the project.
Project factsheet
Constructor: Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project Authority.
Start date: 2008.
Completion date: 2028.
Construction cost: Nu 100 billion ($1.2 billion).
Location: Punatsangchhu River, Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan.
