PSU SJVNL crosses border; inks pact for Bhutan hydro project

SJVNL CMD RP Singh 

IN A bid to tap the enormous hydroelectric potential in Bhutan, the Himalayan Kingdom, the public sector Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) entered into a pact for commissioning of the 600 MW Kholongchu Hydro Electric Project in Bhutan, the company said on October 1. Modi laid the stone of the project...

on June 16 where Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay was also present.

SJVNL chief managing director R.P. Singh and Druk Green Power Corp managing director Dasho Chhewang Rinzi signed the agreement in Bhutan on September 30.

This is the first hydro electric project being developed by a joint venture company of public sector undertakings of both the governments, the SJVNL said.

The project will be implemented under build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model, the statement added.

Earlier, the inter-government agreement between Bhutan and Indian governments was signed April 22 for execution of four hydropower projects.

The Kholongchu project is a run-of-the-river project located on the Kholongchu River. Following completion, the project will generate 2,568.52 million units of energy. The project is estimated to cost Rs.3,868.87 crore which will be shared in the ratio of 50:50 by the two joint venture partners.

A Miniratna Schedule 'A' CPSE under the ministry of power, SJVNL  is a joint venture between the Govt. of India and Govt. of Himachal Pradesh and today the company is fast emerging as a major power player in the country. The present authorized capital of SJVNL is Rs 7000 crore.

SJVNL is successfully operating the country’s largest 1500 MW Nathpa Jhakri Hydropower Station and is setting new benchmarks in generation and maintenance year after year, after having tackled the silt erosion problems in under-water turbine parts. Beginning from a single hydropower project company, SJVNL today has a footprint in a diversified set of power projects, which includes hydroelectric projects in Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Aurnachal Pradesh and in the neighboring countries of Nepal and Bhutan, a thermal power project in Bihar, a power transmission project in Nepal, wind power project in Maharashtra and solar power projects in Gujarat and Rajasthan.