Bhutan's Biggest Solar Bet: Reliance Power's ₹2,000 Crore Investment

Reliance Power has signed a landmark agreement with Green Digital, a government-owned entity in Bhutan, to jointly develop the country’s largest solar power plant, with a capacity of 500 MW. Valued at ₹2,000 crore, the project will be executed as a 50:50 joint venture with Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), Bhutan’s state-owned investment arm. This marks the largest private sector investment in Bhutan’s solar energy sector to date.

The project aims to enhance Bhutan’s clean energy capacity and support regional energy cooperation by facilitating power exports to neighboring countries, including India. Electricity generated from the plant will be sold under a long-term power purchase agreement with Green Digital.

This solar initiative is part of Reliance Power’s broader clean energy strategy, which includes a pipeline of 2.5 GWp of solar capacity and over 2.5 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS), positioning the company as a key player in the region’s renewable energy sector.

Construction bidding for the project has commenced through a competitive process to ensure transparency, cost-effectiveness, and timely execution. The company is also in active discussions with financial institutions to secure project funding.

This solar venture follows the October 2024 collaboration on the 770 MW Chamkharchhu-I hydroelectric project, reinforcing Bhutan’s national objectives for sustainable development and regional energy integration.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.