Basochhu Hydropower Plant

Basochhu

Basochhu hydropower plant (BHP) in Wangduephodrang is
one of the power plants of DGPC.

Project Overview

Hydropower Generation Supporting Bhutan's Clean Energy Economy

Basochhu hydropower plant (BHP) in Wangduephodrang is one of the power plants of DGPC. The plant comprises an upper stage (U/S) and a lower stage (L/S).

The U/S taps Basochhu from above Chhubotoraysa waterfall. The discharge from the U/S is made available for the generation of electricity at the L/S through a pondage scheme. The L/S taps 8 cubic meters of water per second from the tailrace of the U/S and an additional flow of 2 cubic meters per second from Rurichhu.

Project Scheme

Run-of-the-river
Project Commission

2001–2004
Installed Capacity

64 MW

Operation and Maintenance

BHP was constructed mainly to meet the domestic energy demand in Western Bhutan. It is automated with micro SCADA 8.x systems from ABB and Alstom at the U/S and L/S respectively. Hence, all operational controls of U/S, pondage and intakes are carried out remotely from the central control centre at L/S.

Parameter
River
Installed Capacity
Catchment
Design Energy
Design Head
Desilting Chamber
Max. Water Level
Head Race Tunnel
Penstock
Pondage
Powerhouse

Upper Stage Value

Lower Stage Value

Transmission Line

Basochhu

Basochu + Rurichhu

66 kV Hebesa – Rurichhu

2x12 MW

2x20 MW

66 kV Rurichhu – Gewathang s/s

160.2 km²

64.7 km²

220 kV Rurichhu – Semtokha

105 GWh

185 GWh

220 kV Rurichhu – Tsirang

356 m

483 m

3 (4.1x5x57 m)

2 (2.4x2.8x49 m)

1,788 m

1,444 m

2.5 m diameter, 2.6 km long

1.4 km long

2.53 km long

74,000 m³ storage

Surface, 47.3x18.52x11.75 m

Surface, 38.9x17.1x10.6 m

Stages

Upper Stage Value

Lower Stage Value

Project Cost

Nu. 1,440 million

Nu. 1,834 million

Financing

GoA 37.47% grant and 49.14% loan, RGoB 13.39%

GoA 2.51% grant and 95.64% loan, RGoB 1.85%

Debt:Equity

49:51

94:6

Renovation and Modernisation

The SCADA system at the powerhouse was upgraded by GE in 2018. The SCADA system for the 220 kV Rurichhu switchyard was upgraded by BHUTAN AUTOMATION in 2021.

Socio-Economic Benefits and Sustainability

BHP has supported the development of Hebisa and other villages under Gase Tsogom gewog since its establishment. The project has enabled infrastructural growth through a school, road network, medical and telecommunication facilities within the project area.

BHP continues to support the Druk Green "Being Green" initiative through regular landscaping and plantation activities. The plant is conscious of the need to maintain a sense of harmony with the community and environment. In doing so, BHP initiates the maintenance and protection of downstream aquatic life. Further, BHP sensitises the social and environmental issues that confront the hydropower sector, thereby ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment.

A major initiative by DGPC management is the establishment of early childhood care and development centres across its offices. This has eased the burden on working parents, resulting in efficiency in the workplace.