Project Overview
The Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project (DHPP) is one of Bhutan's most important national infrastructure initiatives. It is envisioned as a transformational 1,125 MW run-of-river project that will significantly strengthen the country's long-term energy security, economic development, and commitment to low-carbon growth. Recognized as a national priority by His Majesty the King, DHPP represents a modern approach to hydropower development, one that emphasizes strong environmental and social safeguards, adherence to international best practices, and a transparent Public-Private Partnership model between Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) and Tata Power Company Limited of India. Supported by the financial and technical expertise of the World Bank Group, the project is expected to become a leading example of sustainable hydropower development in South Asia.
Location & Description
Eastern Bhutan, along the right bank of the Kurichhu River. Major components in Mongar, with portions extending into Lhuentse Dzongkhag. Dam site is about 1 km upstream of Rewan village; powerhouse is near Lingmithang. The area has comparatively good accessibility and a smaller environmental footprint than hydropower projects of similar scale.
Reservoir designed to provide 3–8 hours of daily peaking power. Water diverted for generation returns to the river through two tailrace tunnels.
Timeline
| Planned Completion & Commissioning | 2032 |
|---|---|
| Construction Period | 72 months |
Partnership & Financing
- Joint venture: DGPC 60% equity, TCPL (Tata Power) 40%
- Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited (DHPL) incorporated to develop, operate, and maintain
- Concession agreement with the Royal Government of Bhutan: 30 years
- Estimated cost: USD 1.7 billion
- Debt-equity ratio: 70% debt / 30% equity
- Lead multilateral financier: World Bank Group (concessional financing + technical guidance)
Socio-Economic Impact
- Estimated 4,000–5,000 direct and indirect jobs per year during construction
- Benefits cited: business opportunities, housing and transport demand, improved access roads, market activity for food and services
- Surplus power to be exported to India, especially valuable in summer when regional demand peaks
Environmental & Social Safeguards
Studies completed: Biodiversity Management Plan, Cultural Heritage Management Plan, Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) Addendum, Gender and Vulnerability Action Plan, Land Acquisition and Livelihood Restoration Plan (LALRP), Stakeholder Engagement Plan, SEA/SH Action Plan. All publicly disclosed.
Safeguard Measures
- 53 affected parties identified; 1 household requiring physical relocation
- Compensation at replacement cost, livelihood restoration support, transitional allowances
- Grievance channels: phone, SMS, dedicated committees, social media, walk-in offices
- Labour influx managed via codes of conduct, cultural orientation, managed worker camps, community health and safety plans with local authorities, police, and forestry
Dam Safety
Overseen by an international panel of experts. Includes real-time vibration monitoring, construction supervision and QA systems, detailed instrumentation plans, and an emergency preparedness plan. Approach informed by past Bhutanese and international projects on sediment management, slope stability, groundwater behaviour, and structural integrity.
Hydrology & Catchment
| Catchment Area | 8,782 km² |
|---|---|
| Design Flood | 16,225 m³/s |
| Check Flood | 20,123 m³/s |
| Design Discharge | 451 m³/s |
| Dewatered River Reach | ~16 km |
Reservoir
| Gross Storage | 44.17M m³ |
|---|---|
| Live Storage | 12.62M m³ |
| Reservoir Area (FRL) | 145.82 ha |
| Full Reservoir Level | EL. 850 m |
| Min. Drawdown Level | EL. 840 m |
Dam & Spillway
| Type | Concrete Gravity |
|---|---|
| Top Level | EL. 853.0 m |
| Length at Crest | 241.0 m |
| Maximum Height | 139.5 m |
| Spillway Bays | 6 gated |
Water Conveyance
| Headrace Tunnel | 14,974 m (14.97 km) |
|---|---|
| Tunnel Diameter | 11.0 m |
| Surge Shaft Height | 135 m |
| Pressure Shafts | 3 × 332.8 m |
| Shaft Diameter | 5.5 m |
Powerhouse & Tailrace
| Type | Underground Cavern |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 210 × 23 × 60.5 m |
| Tailrace Tunnels | 2 × ~355 m |
| Tailrace Diameter | 8.0 m |
| Normal Tail Water | EL. 544.0 m |
Power Generation
| Installed Capacity | 1,125 MW |
|---|---|
| Turbines | 6 × 187.5 MW |
| Gross Head | 300.45 m |
| Design Energy | 4,504 GWh |
| Firm Power | 153 MW |
Access Infrastructure
| Access Roads | 29.10 km |
|---|---|
| Major Bridges | 2 |
| Construction Period | 72 months |