Indian conglomerate Reliance Group has entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Druk Holding and Investments Ltd (DHI), the commercial and investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan, to undertake various initiatives aimed at bolstering the investment in the renewable and green energy landscape of Bhutan.
This partnership will focus on green energy generation, specifically solar and hydropower developments, while also exploring innovative green technologies. Reliance Group will collaborate with government-owned companies in Bhutan to implement infrastructure projects that support the country’s net-zero goals.
At the same time, Reliance Group has established a new flagship company, Reliance Enterprises, dedicated exclusively to promoting investment in Bhutan’s renewable and green energy sector. Jointly promoted by Reliance Infrastructure Ltd and Reliance Power Ltd, Reliance Enterprises will focus on enhancing sustainable energy solutions and implementing smart distribution and metering systems throughout Bhutan.
500 MW solar project
The newly formed Reliance Enterprises and DHI will jointly develop a 500 MW solar power plant in Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City. This ambitious project is set to be executed over the next two years in two phases of 250 MW each. Once completed, the facility is expected to be the largest of its kind, surpassing all existing solar installations in the country.
Land for the project has been earmarked, and a technical team comprising experts from Reliance, DHI and external consultants is actively engaged in site assessments and technical studies.
According to Reliance and DHI, this initiative will also mark the one of largest investment in Bhutan’s renewable energy sector and the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) by an Indian company in the country.
770 MW hydro project
In addition to the solar initiative, Reliance Group, Reliance Power and DHI plan to jointly develop the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-1 hydro project. It is classified as a run-of-the-river project. With Bhutan’s current installed power generation capacity at 2,452 MW, this facility is particularly significant as it represents a joint venture between Bhutan and a private sector company in India.
“The partnership between Reliance Enterprises and Druk Holding leverages the strengths of both organisations in the areas of green energy and development. We are pleased to be partnering, and together, we are committed to delivering world-class clean energy projects that will benefit both India and Bhutan,” said Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of DHI.
“These projects will significantly boost Bhutan’s economic and industrial growth, enhancing the country’s energy security with clean, green and reliable power,” added Anil Ambani, chairman of Reliance Group. “They are dedicated to the people of Bhutan and symbolise the strong friendship between our two countries.”
Image: Sebastian Ganso/Pixabay
