Indian businessman Anil Ambani's Reliance Group has entered into a strategic partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan to jointly develop two major renewable energy projects: a 500-MW solar farm and a 770-MW hydropower plant. The collaboration was formalized through an agreement between Reliance and Druk Holding and Investments Ltd (DHI), Bhutan's commercial and investment arm.
As part of the partnership, a new company, Reliance Enterprises, has been established to promote and invest in Bhutan's renewable energy sector. Reliance holds a 50% stake in this new entity.
The solar project will be constructed in Gelephu Mindfulness City in two phases of 250 MW each, with completion expected within two years. The project is set to be the largest solar farm in Bhutan and represents the country's largest investment in the renewable energy sector. It also marks the biggest foreign direct investment by an Indian company in Bhutan.
Additionally, Reliance and DHI will collaborate on the development of the 770-MW Chamkharchhu-1 hydropower plant, a run-of-the-river project implemented under a concession model. Reliance will own 49% of the hydropower facility, while DHI will hold the majority stake.
These projects will provide a significant boost to Bhutan's power generation capacity, which currently stands at 2,452 MW, further strengthening the country's renewable energy infrastructure.
