Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group to Develop Bhutan’s Largest Solar and Hydropower Projects

Reliance Group has entered Bhutan's renewable energy sector with plans to develop 1,270 MW of solar and hydroelectric power, including Bhutan's largest solar plant and the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-1 hydroelectric project.

Reliance Group, led by Anil Ambani, has announced its foray into Bhutan’s renewable energy sector with plans to develop a combined 1,270 MW of solar and hydroelectric power projects. The initiative includes the construction of Bhutan's largest solar power plant, a 500 MW facility, and a 770 MW hydroelectric project, in partnership with the Bhutanese government.

Bhutan's Largest Solar Plant and Chamkharchhu-1 Hydropower Project

As part of this ambitious plan, Reliance Enterprises, a newly established subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd and Reliance Power Ltd, will lead the solar and hydroelectric ventures. The centerpiece of this initiative is the construction of a 500 MW solar plant in Gelephu Mindfulness City, to be built in two phases of 250 MW each over the next two years. Additionally, Reliance will develop the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-1 hydroelectric project, a run-of-the-river plant under Bhutan's concession model.

Reliance’s partnership with Druk Holding and Investments Ltd (DHI), the commercial arm of the Bhutanese government, marks the largest foreign direct investment by an Indian company in Bhutan’s renewable energy sector.

Collaboration for Sustainable Growth and Bhutan's Net-Zero Goals

In a joint statement, Reliance Group emphasized its commitment to sustainable development in Bhutan. “Reliance Group will collaborate with government-owned companies in Bhutan to implement infrastructure projects that support Bhutan's net-zero goals,” the company said. Along with clean energy generation, the project aims to boost local infrastructure by implementing smart distribution and metering systems.

Harmanjit Singh Nagi, President of Corporate Development at Reliance Power Ltd, and Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of Druk Holding and Investments, signed the agreement, with Anil Ambani present at the event. The collaboration aims to align with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index, ensuring economic growth alongside environmental sustainability.

Impact on Bhutan's Renewable Energy Capacity

Bhutan’s current power generation capacity stands at 2,452 MW, and the Chamkharchhu-1 hydroelectric project is expected to significantly enhance the country's renewable energy output. Ujjwal Deep Dahal of DHI commented, “The partnership between Reliance Enterprises and Druk Holding leverages the strengths of both organizations in the areas of green energy and development. We are pleased to partner with Reliance to deliver world-class clean energy projects benefiting both India and Bhutan.”

With this new venture, Reliance Group further solidifies its commitment to the global clean energy transition. Reliance Power, with an installed capacity of 5,340 MW, and Reliance Infrastructure, a key player in energy distribution and infrastructure, continue to expand their green energy initiatives.