Bhutanese Delegation Lauds VPHEP as Model for Sustainable Hydropower Development
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Chamoli, Uttarakhand, December 18, 2024: A distinguished delegation of eight officials from Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), Bhutan, visited THDC India Limited’s (THDCIL) under-construction 444 MW Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP) in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, to gain insights into the project’s advanced engineering, environmental practices, and operational milestones.
DGPC, Bhutan’s leading hydropower generation utility, is committed to leveraging international expertise in hydropower development. The delegation aimed to observe VPHEP’s state-of-the-art construction techniques, including its record-setting Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) operations and innovative environmental management approaches.
During their visit from December 15–18, 2024, After the presentation given on the different aspects of the project by THDCIL’s executives, the officials toured key project sites, including the underground powerhouse, headrace tunnel, and the dam site near Helong village. The delegation expressed admiration for the progress achieved despite the region’s challenging Himalayan terrain, stating, “This visit has been a great learning opportunity for our team, offering practical insights into the planning, design, and execution of large-scale dam projects. We have heard commendable reports about VPHEP’s progress and achievements from various sources, including officials from the World Bank. By visiting the project site, we have witnessed firsthand the exemplary work being done here, which sets a benchmark for hydropower development.”
The visit signifies VPHEP’s international recognition as a benchmark project in renewable energy development, fostering regional cooperation and knowledge exchange in hydropower.
The delegation included:
Ms. Phub Zam, Executive Engineer (Civil), PCD
Mr. Tempa Tshering, Executive Engineer (Civil), DGC
Mr. Dendup Tharchen, Executive Engineer (Civil), DGC
Mr. Pema Wangchuk, Executive Engineer (Civil), DGC
Ms. Ganga Gajmer, Assistant Engineer (Civil), DGC
Ms. Tshering Dema, Geologist, DGC
Ms. Sonam Tshewang Dema, Assistant Engineer (Civil), DGC
Ms. Dorji Dema, Assistant Engineer (Civil), DGC
About The VPHEP Project of THDCIL:
The Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP), located on the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, is a 444 MW run-of-river hydroelectric project designed to generate clean, renewable energy with minimal environmental impact. The project features a 65-meter-high concrete gravity dam near Helong village, creating a reservoir with a submergence area of only 24.5 hectares. Its underground powerhouse near Hat village houses four units of 111 MW each, operating at a gross head of 237 meters to ensure efficient energy production. The 13.4 km long head race tunnel excavated using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), channels water to the powerhouse with precision and minimal environmental disturbance. Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies like a GIS switchyard, OFWF transformers, and high-efficiency turbines, VPHEP exemplifies modern engineering while contributing significantly to India’s renewable energy goals.
