Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved yet another milestone in Bhutan with the successful commissioning of Unit-1 of the 4x84 MW Chhukha hydro electric project (HEP), following complete renovation and modernisation (R& M) of the generator. Unit-3 of the same project, built on the Chhukha River, Bhutan, was earlier commissioned by BHEL, after successful R& M last year and has been running efficiently since. With the commissioning of Unit-1, BHEL has successfully executed the R& M contract for 2 units (Units- 1& 3), thereby consolidating its position further in Bhutan and rising up to the expectations of the customer, Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), Bhutan.
Appreciating BHEL’s efforts in timely completion of the job, DGPC in their commendation letter wrote, “We appreciate the efforts made by BHEL experts towards this R& M work which has led to result-oriented performance and we look forward to continued support from BHEL in future.” DGPC had placed the R& M order for Chhukha hydro power plant on BHEL for replacement of Generator Stator and Rotor Coils of Units-1& 3.
These machines were originally supplied and commissioned by BHEL in the 1980s and were running successfully since then. BHEL’s units at Bhopal and Bengaluru have provided the equipment and technical supports for this R& M job. BHEL has executed major projects like Chhukha, Kurichu and Tala in Bhutan till date and is presently executing prestigious export orders for 6x200 MW Punatsangchhu-I, 6x170 MW Punatsangchhu-II and 4x180 MW Mangdechhu Projects, which once commissioned, would take BHEL’s share to 93% of the total power generating capacity of Bhutan. BHEL is presently executing Hydro-electric Projects of around 3,000 MW across the country, in addition to 3,904 MW abroad which includes 2,940 MW in Bhutan and 900 MW in Nepal. Significantly, more than 500 hydro-electric generating sets of various ratings have been ordered on BHEL with a cumulative capacity of more than 30,000 MW, including 6,680 MW for overseas projects.