Tata Power, DGPC Launch Training Ecosystem to Support Bhutan’s 5,000 MW Clean Energy Vision

• Aim to build a future-ready workforce to support the operation and maintenance of large-scale clean energy assets under the strategic partnership
• Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay, graced the MoU signing ceremony at Thimphu
• Training programmes will be delivered through Tata Power Skill Development Institute

Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power utilities, and Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), the sole power generation utility of Bhutan, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu, Bhutan, to establish a comprehensive skill development ecosystem.

The MoU lays the foundation for a structured training framework aimed at building a future-ready workforce to address both immediate and long-term requirements under the ongoing partnership between Tata Power and DGPC to jointly develop clean energy projects.

The MoU signing ceremony, was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay. The MoU was formally signed by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, and Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC. Ms Anjali Pandey, President- Generation, Tata Power, along with other senior representatives from Tata Power, DGPC, and relevant institutions, were also present at the ceremony.

Training programmes will be delivered through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), leveraging its expertise in power sector skilling.

Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, said “This partnership with DGPC underscores our collective vision of creating a future-ready talent ecosystem for Bhutan’s growing clean energy sector. Leveraging its strong credentials in power sector training, Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) will help nurture industry-ready professionals with comprehensive expertise in safe operations, emerging technologies, and operations & maintenance.”

Tata Power will provide technical expertise, training infrastructure, courseware, and accreditation support through TPSDI for the effective implementation of the programmes. DGPC will facilitate the mobilisation and deployment of trainees, ensuring seamless execution under the MoU and subsequent definitive agreements.

DGPC will also be responsible for securing all necessary approvals from the Government of Bhutan and relevant Bhutanese authorities, while Tata Power will obtain the requisite approvals from the Government of India.

Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director, DGPC, said, “This MoU is a practical step towards strengthening local capabilities required under the ongoing partnership to develop 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity. DGPC will work with relevant Bhutanese authorities and stakeholders to identify training needs, mobilise trainees where appropriate, and ensure that the programme supports national priorities and complements the Royal Government of Bhutan’s broader workforce development efforts.”

The proposed skill development initiatives under this MoU will be implemented in a phased manner:

• Phase 1: Focus on immediate deployment of safety training to ensure workforce readiness prior to site entry, including mandatory safety induction programmes for project workers.
• Phase 2: Expansion into technical skill development covering construction, material handling, and earth-moving equipment operations, tailored to project construction requirements.
• Phase 3: Development of specialised capabilities for the long-term operation and maintenance of clean energy assets.

Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI) was established to bridge the skill gap in the power sector by delivering industry-relevant, modular training and certification programmes. TPSDI is accredited by the National Safety Council of India (NSC) to conduct safety training, administer assessments, and issue joint certifications. As an approved training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and a Dual Awarding Body recognised by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), TPSDI operates a robust training network across India, offering hands-on training across the power value chain, including thermal, hydel, and renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

This MoU reflects a collaborative and practical approach to developing the skills required for Bhutan’s clean energy growth, with DGPC working alongside relevant Bhutanese authorities and Tata Power providing technical training support.

Tata Power and DGPC Partner on ₹13,100 Crore Dorjilung Hydropower Project in Bhutan

Tata Power and Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) have signed commercial agreements to jointly develop the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Project in Mongar, Bhutan, reported ETEnergyWorld citing Tata Power’s stock exchange filing and detailing the 1,125 MW project structure.

The project will be executed through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), with DGPC holding 60% equity and Tata Power 40%. At ₹13,100 crore total cost, it will be Bhutan’s second-largest hydropower project and the largest public-private partnership (PPP) hydro project in the country.

Key highlights of the Dorjilung project

• Capacity: 1,125 MW, divided into six units of 187.5 MW each.
• Location: Kurichhu River, Mongar district, Bhutan.
• Design: Run-of-the-river project with six-hour pondage for peaking, ensuring reliable power supply.
• Equity structure: DGPC – 60%, Tata Power – 40%.
• Investment: Tata Power will infuse ₹1,572 crore in equity, in tranches.
• Total cost: ₹13,100 crore.
• Significance:
  • Bhutan’s second-largest hydropower project.
  • The largest PPP hydro project ever undertaken in Bhutan.
  • Strengthens India-Bhutan energy cooperation, with ~80% of generated clean power expected to be supplied to India.

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Strategic importance

• Regional energy security: Contributes significantly to Bhutan’s hydropower exports, a major revenue source.
• India–Bhutan cooperation: Supports the bilateral plan to expand hydropower cooperation to 5,000 MW.
• Clean energy push: Provides peaking power that complements India’s solar and wind expansion.
• Economic impact: Creates jobs, boosts local economies, and strengthens Bhutan’s energy independence.

Why this matters

This agreement marks a milestone in South Asia’s energy collaboration, showcasing how public-private partnerships can unlock large-scale renewable projects. For Tata Power, it expands its international footprint in clean energy, while for Bhutan, it cements its role as a regional hydropower hub.