adani-group-begins-work-on-wangchhu-hydro-project-in-bhutan

Adani Group and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have begun development of the 570MW Wangchhu hydroelectric project, marking the first venture under a broader partnership to jointly develop 5GW of hydropower capacity in the Himalayan kingdom.

 

The foundation stone for the project was laid in the presence of Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani, formally signalling the start of construction.

 

The project follows the signing of key agreements in September 2025, including a Shareholders’ Agreement and a Concession Agreement with the Royal Government of Bhutan. Under the arrangement, DGPC will retain a controlling 51 per cent stake, while Adani Group will hold the remaining 49 per cent.

 

The Wangchhu hydropower project is expected to require an investment of approximately $666 million (around Rs 60 billion) and will be developed under a build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) model. The plant is scheduled to be completed within five years of the groundbreaking.

 

The project is part of a wider collaboration initiated in May 2025, when Adani Group and DGPC signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop up to 5GW of hydropower projects in Bhutan. Preparation for the Wangchhu plant included the completion of a detailed project report.

 

Also read: SC signs MoU with Bhutan Apex Court for exchange of law clerks

 

In a post on X, Gautam Adani described the project as a reflection of Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development. “Indeed, a visionary initiative of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck that reflects Bhutan’s enduring commitment to mindful and sustainable development,” he said.

 

Adani added that the signing of the MoU for 5,000MW of hydropower and the commencement of the Wangchhu project marked a significant step in strengthening energy cooperation between India and Bhutan. He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Tobgay for attending the foundation-laying ceremony.

 

The Adani Group chairman said the partnership with DGPC would continue to focus on sustainability, trust and long-term value, with discussions ongoing for additional hydropower projects under the collaboration.