Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has planned to set up green energy projects in Bhutan in collaboration with Druk Holding & Investments Ltd (DHI) — the commercial and investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
In a statement, Reliance Group said that the partnership between Reliance Group and Druk Holding will focus on green energy generation, specifically solar and hydropower initiatives, while also exploring innovative green technologies. Reliance Group will collaborate with government-owned companies in Bhutan to implement infrastructure projects that support Bhutan’s net-zero goals.
New flagship company
Reliance Group announced the establishment of 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.
Bhutan’s largest solar power project
The newly formed Reliance Enterprises has partnered up with Druk Holding to jointly develop a 500-MW solar power plant in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan. This project will be executed over the next two years in two phases of 250-MW each.
Once completed, this 500-MW installation will 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, Druk Holding, and external consultants is actively engaged in site assessments and technical studies.
This initiative will also mark the single largest investment in Bhutan’s renewable energy sector and the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) by an Indian company in the country.
Hydropower project
Reliance Power Ltd. and Druk Holding have announced plans 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 project is particularly significant as it represents a joint venture between Bhutan and a private sector company in India.
Featured photograph shows Anil Ambani, CMD, Reliance Group with Prime Minister of Bhutan, H.E Dasho Tshering Tobgay, on the occasion of signing of agreements to set up 500 MW Solar and 770 MW Hydropower projects in Bhutan, on October 2, 2024. The partnership agreement was signed by Harmanjit Singh Nagi, President (Corporate Development), Reliance Power Ltd. and Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO, Druk Holding and Investments, in the presence of Anil Ambani.
