In a landmark move for renewable energy cooperation, the Adani Group and Bhutan have officially commenced work on the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydro Electricity Project. The foundation stone was laid in a ceremony attended by Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.
A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Energy
The Wangchhu project marks the first concrete step under a broader, ambitious agreement. In May 2025, the Adani Group and Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower projects in the Himalayan kingdom. The Wangchhu initiative is the inaugural project under this sweeping partnership.
Gautam Adani expressed his gratitude on social media platform X, stating, "In a significant step for our energy partnership, we advanced key milestones by signing an MoU for 5,000 MW of hydropower and officially commencing the 570 MW Wangchhu Hydro Electricity Project." He thanked Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for his presence at the ceremony and emphasized the group's commitment to a partnership "rooted in sustainability, trust and long-term value."
Project Details and Investment
The ownership structure for the Wangchhu project is clearly defined. Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) will hold a majority 51% stake, while the Adani Group will have a 49% stake. Establishing the renewable energy power plant and its associated infrastructure is a major financial undertaking, requiring an investment of approximately Rs 60 billion.
The project timeline is set for five years from the groundbreaking, indicating a targeted completion around 2030. This development underscores a deepening economic and strategic relationship between India and Bhutan, focusing on clean energy generation.
Broader Vision: Gelephu Mindfulness City
The hydropower collaboration aligns with larger visions for Bhutan's future. Gautam Adani is also a founding member of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, a special economic zone envisioned by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Adani praised the initiative on X, calling it a "visionary initiative... that reflects Bhutan's enduring commitment to mindful and sustainable development."
The commencement of the Wangchhu project, therefore, is not just about megawatts. It represents a fusion of infrastructure development with principles of sustainability and mindfulness, core to Bhutan's national identity. It sets a precedent for the remaining projects under the 5,000 MW MoU, promising to significantly boost Bhutan's green energy exports and contribute to regional energy security.
