News Desk, News Nation 360 : One of India's largest integrated power companies, Tata Power Company Ltd. (Tata Power), has made history by forming a strategic partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd. (DGPC), a subsidiary of Druk Holding and Investments Limited, Bhutan's sole generation utility. The partnership aims to develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan. With the backing of the Indian government and the Royal Government of Bhutan, this is the biggest collaboration between two of the two countries' top power corporations in the clean energy space in Asia. Both businesses have a strong track record in the energy industry and have collaborated for more than 15 years. This aligns with Bhutan's energy sector ambition, which aims to increase its total generation capacity to 25,000 MW by 2040 for regional energy integration and energy security. Bhutan intends to accomplish this goal by diversifying its energy sources beyond conventional hydropower, such as geothermal and solar energy. Through these kinds of strategic alliances, this will also include diversifying project finance and structuring. This strategic alliance highlights Tata Power's leadership in the region and its position as India's most favoured renewable energy partner. This collaboration will help Bhutan realise its enormous hydropower potential and play a significant share in maintaining regional energy security. Tata Power and Bhutan's Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have sealed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop at least 5,000 MW worth of renewable energy projects in Bhutan, including 4,500 MW of hydropower and 500 MW of solar power. The two firms will engage in a joint venture to develop these projects as an effort to further clean energy initiatives in Bhutan and strengthen India-Bhutan ties. These projects, which comprise the 1,125 MW Dorjilung HEP, 740 MW Gongri Reservoir, 1,800 MW Jeri Pumped Storage, and 364 MW Chamkharchhu IV hydropower projects, will be developed in phases. Tata Power has already acquired a 40% stake in the 600 MW Khorlochhu Hydroelectric Project and has been involved in Bhutan's power sector since 2008 with the successful development of the 126 MW Dagachhu Hydropower Plant. It has also developed a 1,200 km-long transmission line that evacuates clean power from Bhutan to India. This strategic deal underlines the commitment of both companies towards sustainable energy development and strengthens the bilateral relationship between India and Bhutan.
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