Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Bhutan, Lyonpo Gem Tshering, met Union Power Minister Manohar Lal and the Minister of State for Power Shripad Naik, in New Delhi today. The meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding cooperation between the two nations in the power sector. Ministry of Power said that both sides also deliberated on the commercial optimization of power output from the Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 MW). Emphasis was also placed on the early commissioning of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project.
The discussion also covered the way forward for the Sankosh Hydropower Project. In addition, India and Bhutan discussed the transmission infrastructure planning up to the year 2040, for which detailed consultations are currently underway. It also covered the need to streamline approval for scheduling of power, particularly during lean months in Bhutan.
The Ministers further appreciated the mutual friendship of the two nations and looked forward to further strengthening it.
