Druk Hydro Energy Limited

What Druk Hydro Energy Limited does

Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE) is a 100% state-owned subsidiary of Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC), itself owned by Druk Holding & Investments, the commercial arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Incorporated on December 16, 2021, DHyE operates under a national mandate as the dedicated implementer of small hydropower projects (≤150 MW) in Bhutan. The company does not pursue commercial customers; its purpose is national energy security — developing dispatchable renewable capacity to feed Bhutan's national grid and supply reliable power to remote Dzongkhags (districts), with surplus exported to the Indian Energy Exchange.

DHyE's product is a portfolio of run-of-river hydropower assets totaling ~299.5 MW across nine projects. The Phase-I portfolio (104 MW) comprises the commissioned 18 MW Suchhu HPP in Haa (inaugurated May 15, 2025, built in a record 27 months at Nu. 2,556 million) plus the 54 MW Burgangchhu HPP in Zhemgang and the 32 MW Yungichhu HPP in Lhuentse, both targeted for completion in September 2025. The Phase-II portfolio (195 MW) includes the 90 MW Jomori HPP in Samdrup Jongkhar, the 54 MW Gamri-I & Bamukparongchhu Integrated HPP in Trashigang, the 26 MW Druk Bindu I&II HPP in Samtse, and the 25 MW Begana Integrated Multipurpose Small HPP in Thimphu, with H&M works scheduled through November 2028. The 500 kW Lunana Mini-HPP extends the portfolio into off-grid high-altitude electrification.

The technology stack is conventional run-of-river hydropower: pure river-diversion schemes with trench weirs or concrete gravity dams, surface/underground water-conductor systems, vertical-shaft Pelton turbines, surface powerhouses, and SCADA/protection systems. DHyE has built a vertically integrated in-country value chain through DGPC affiliates — BHSL for hydro-mechanical manufacturing (gates, trash racks, penstocks), Bhutan Automation & Engineering for SCADA, and Bhutanese contractors (Vajra Builders, CDCL, Rigsar) for civil works — with only electro-mechanical equipment sourced from Indian suppliers (Flovel Energy, Voith Hydro). Revenue mechanics are entirely government-mediated: project capital is provided by DHI/DGPC, electricity is handed off to the national grid, and surplus is exported. The company reported no standalone revenue and operates with just 9 employees, reflecting its role as a thin project-implementation vehicle within the DGPC group.

Name

Druk Hydro Energy Limited

Legal name

Druk Hydro Energy Limited

Website

https://dhye.drukgreen.bt

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE) is Bhutan's government-owned developer of small run-of-river hydropower projects (≤150 MW), executing a ~299.5 MW pipeline across nine sites to feed the national grid and support domestic energy security under a DGPC/DHI state mandate.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hydropower Generation

NAICS

Hydroelectric Power Generation (221111)

SIC

Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991)

akta.pro primary industry

Hydropower EPC & Construction (Civil Works, Electromechanical) (EUACAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hydropower Project Development & Permitting (Greenfield, Licensing, Water Rights) (EUAMADAA), Hydropower EPC & Civil Construction (Dams, Weirs, Tunnels, Penstocks) (EUAMADAB), Hydropower Plant Development & Permitting (Greenfield/Brownfield) (EUACAEAE)

Keywords

• Small hydropower development
• Run-of-river power
• Hydropower project construction
• Renewable energy generation
• Electricity grid supply

Headquarters

HQ city

Phuentsholing

HQ country

Bhutan

HQ region

Asia

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Electricity Generation and Grid Supply: DHyE generates electricity through commissioned and future hydropower projects. The 18 MW Suchhu project generates over 75 MU annually, connected to Damdum in Samtse; summer surplus is exported into the Indian Energy Exchange. As a government-owned implementer, revenue flows through DGPC/the national utility rather than direct consumer billing. Revenue is reinvested into Phase-II project construction and returned to government shareholders.
2. Government-Funded Project Development: DHyE was incorporated as a 100% subsidiary of DGPC on December 16, 2021, with DGPC (itself owned by Druk Holding & Investments, a Bhutanese government entity) providing capital for project development. Project costs are borne by the parent and government — e.g., Suchhu built at Nu. 2,556 million; Gamri-I & Bamukparongchhu H&M works valued at ~Nu. 2,073 million; Jomori H&M works at ~Nu. 1,256 million.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE) develops, constructs, and operates small run-of-river hydropower projects (≤150 MW) across Bhutan on behalf of its parent company Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC). The company is currently executing seven hydropower projects with a combined pipeline capacity of approximately 299.5 MW. Generated electricity is fed into Bhutan's national grid, with summer surplus exported via the Indian Energy Exchange.

Product overview

Druk Hydro Energy Limited (DHyE) operates as a portfolio of independent hydropower projects rather than a unified software platform. The company develops, constructs, and operates small hydropower projects (≤150 MW) as a subsidiary of Druk Green Power Corporation. The portfolio consists of Phase-I projects including commissioned 18 MW Suchhu HPP and under-construction 54 MW Burgangchhu and 32 MW Yungichhu HPPs, plus Phase-II projects including 90 MW Jomori, 26 MW Druk Bindu I&II, 54 MW Gamri-I & Bamukparongchhu, 25 MW Begana, and 500 kW Lunana Mini-HPPs. Each project is a distinct power generation asset with civil, electro-mechanical, hydro-mechanical, and SCADA components, designed to provide localized power supply to Bhutan's Dzongkhags and contribute to national grid exports.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 18 MW Suchhu Hydropower Project Commissioned run-of-river hydropower project in Sangbaykha Gewog, Haa Dzongkhag. Uses 7.43 cumecs design discharge with 273 m net head, generating approximately 76.57 GWh annually. Provides stable power to Haa Dzongkhag and exports surplus to Indian Energy Exchange.
• 54 MW Burgangchhu Hydropower Project Under construction run-of-river hydropower project in Nangkor Gewog, Zhemgang. Uses 13.17 cumecs design discharge with 462 m net head. Water conductor system includes 1,120 m underground pipe, 925 m surface pipe, 206 m vertical shaft, and surface powerhouse.
• 32 MW Yungichhu Hydropower Project Under construction run-of-river hydropower project near Onngar Village in Maedtsho Gewog, Lhuentse. Uses 7.46 cumecs design discharge with 483 m net head. Surface desilting basins and combined surface/underground water conductor system totaling over 6,000 m.
• 90 MW Jomori Hydropower Project Under construction standalone run-of-river hydropower project in Lauri and Serthi Gewogs, Samdrup Jongkhar. Features 45 m concrete gravity dam, 28.66 cumecs design discharge, 359 m net head, and two vertical shaft Pelton turbines generating 367.33 GWh annually.
• 26 MW Druk Bindu I&II Hydropower Project Under construction run-of-river hydropower project in Tendruk Gewog, Samtse Dzongkhag. Druk Bindu I generates 18 MW with 219 m net head; Druk Bindu II generates 8 MW with 99 m net head. Combined estimated cost Nu. 1,186.72 million.
• 54 MW Gamri-I & Bamukparongchhu Integrated Hydropower Project Under construction integrated run-of-river hydropower project in Sakteng, Trashigang. Gamri-I generates 40 MW with 605.46 m net head; Bamukparongchhu generates 14 MW with 324 m net head. Features 28 m high concrete gravity dam, shared surface powerhouse (69m x 20m x 26m), and combined annual generation of 228.34 GWh.
• 25 MW Begana Integrated Multipurpose Small Hydropower Project Under construction integrated multipurpose small hydropower project located in Kawang, Thimphu. Part of Phase-II small hydropower portfolio.
• 500 kW Lunana Mini Hydropower Project Mini hydropower project under development in Lunana, Gasa. Small-scale project for local power generation in remote high-altitude region.

Quantifiable outcome

• 18 MW Suchhu HPP generates 75+ MU annually, with summer surplus exported to Indian Energy Exchange
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Druk Holding & Investments (DHI) / Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026DHyE is a 100% subsidiary of DGPC, which is itself owned by Druk Holding & Investments (DHI), the commercial arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan. Dasho Chhewang Rinzin serves as both Managing Director of DGPC and Board Chairperson of DHyE. DHI Chairman Dasho Karma Y. Raydi presided over the DHyE–BHSL contract signing ceremony. This parent-subsidiary structure provides governance oversight, capital allocation, and strategic direction.
• Chimi RDminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2023Chimi RD was awarded Site-I (Phokchiri to Zamtari) and Site-III (Tshanglari to Woongthi) access road construction for the 90 MW Jomori HPP on October 18, 2023, alongside Rigsar Construction for Site-II.
• Hi-Tech Company Private LimitedminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2023Hi-Tech Company Private Limited was awarded the construction of access roads to various project components of the (18+8 MW) Druk Bindu I&II HPP on October 17, 2023. Access roads are critical enabling infrastructure for project construction.
• Bhutan Hydropower Services Limited (BHSL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2023BHSL, a DGPC wholly-owned subsidiary, is the primary hydro-mechanical (H&M) contractor for DHyE's hydropower projects. BHSL was awarded the H&M contract for the 54 MW Gamri-I & Bamukparongchhu Integrated HPP (valued at ~Nu. 2,073 million, completion July 2028) and the 90 MW Jomori HPP (~Nu. 1,256 million, completion November 2028). BHSL also handled H&M works for the commissioned Suchhu project and was contracted for Burgangchhu HPP. Contracts cover design, manufacture, supply, testing, installation, and commissioning of all hydro-mechanical equipment including gates, trash racks, penstocks, and stoplogs. BHSL is a cornerstone of Bhutan's domestic hydropower manufacturing capacity.
• Bhutan Automation & Engineering LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2023Bhutan Automation & Engineering Limited, a DGPC-owned company, was awarded the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Protection System contract (MP3) for the Suchhu hydropower project (contract signed May 11, 2023). BAE designed, engineered, and manufactured the SCADA system domestically — a key milestone in building Bhutan's in-country automation capabilities for hydropower assets.
• Flovel Energy Private Limited (India)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 May 2023Flovel Energy Private Limited, an Indian electro-mechanical equipment manufacturer, was awarded the Main Contract Package MP2 — Electro-Mechanical Works for the 18 MW Suchhu hydropower project (contract signed May 3, 2023). Flovel supplied turbines and generators. Notably, DHyE/DGPC handled the erection and commissioning of the electro-mechanical equipment in-house, limiting Flovel's scope to manufacturing only.
• Voith Hydro Private Limited (India)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 May 2023Voith Hydro Private Limited (India) was awarded the Main Contract Package MP2 — Electro-Mechanical Works for the 32 MW Yungichhu Hydropower Project (contract signed May 3, 2023). Voith is a major global hydro-mechanical equipment supplier.
• Vajra Builder Private Limited (VBPL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2022Vajra Builder Private Limited, a Bhutanese contractor with registered office in Thimphu, was awarded the Main Contract Package MP1 — Civil Works for the 18 MW Suchhu hydropower project (contract signed June 23, 2022). VBPL also took up civil works for the Gamri-I & Bamukparongchhu HPP alongside Rigsar. VBPL represents Bhutanese private sector construction capacity engaged in hydropower civil works.
• Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2022CDCL, a DHI-owned enterprise registered in Thimphu, was awarded the Main Contract Package MP1 — Civil Works for the 54 MW Burgangchhu Hydropower Project (contract signed June 23, 2022). CDCL is a government-owned construction entity engaged across multiple DHyE Phase-I projects.
• Rigsar Construction Private Limited (RCPL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 June 2022Rigsar Construction Private Limited, a Bhutanese contractor registered in Trashigang, was awarded two contracts: (1) Main Contract Package MP1 — Civil Works for the 32 MW Yungichhu HPP (June 23, 2022), and (2) Site-II access road construction for the 90 MW Jomori HPP (October 18, 2023). RCPL is engaged in civil works across both Phase-I and Phase-II projects.
• Bernard Gruppe, AustriaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2021Bernard Gruppe, Austria, was recruited as the technical consultant providing support for the preparation of Feasibility Study Reports (FSR) for the Burgangchhu and Yungichhu hydropower projects. A team of three key experts from Bernard Gruppe, along with DGPC engineers, conducted final field assessments in October 2021.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• SJVN Limited: SJVN (formerly Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) is a joint Indian-government/HP-government hydropower developer with ~2 GW operational and projects in Bhutan. State-owned, mandate-driven, hydro-focused — a structural analogue to DHyE in the same Himalayan small/mid-hydro category.
• Tata Power (Renewables / Hydro): Tata Power operates large hydropower assets in India and Bhutan (e.g., Dagachhu hydro via DGPC partnership). As a broad incumbent private utility with hydro exposure, it parallels DHyE's grid-feeding dispatchable renewable generation model, albeit across a broader portfolio.
• NHPC Limited: India's largest hydropower developer (NHPC), operating ~7 GW+ of hydro capacity across India and Bhutan (e.g., jointly with DGPC at Tala). It is the obvious broad incumbent — a state-owned utility that develops, owns, and operates hydropower projects, mirroring DHyE's mandate-driven business model at much larger scale.
• NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corporation): NEEPCO is an Indian central-government PSU focused on hydropower in India's northeastern states — geography and geopolitical context directly comparable to DHyE's Bhutanese northeast-facing projects (Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar), serving similar remote-grid stability use cases.

Others

• Voith Hydro: Global leader in hydro-electromechanical equipment (turbines, generators), awarded the electro-mechanical package for DHyE's 32 MW Yungichhu HPP. A category-defining equipment supplier to small-hydro developers worldwide including DHyE.
• Bhutan Automation & Engineering Limited: DGPC-owned domestic SCADA and protection system manufacturer that supplied the Suchhu project's automation suite. A peer-relevant enabling entity within the same government-controlled ecosystem of hydropower capability building in Bhutan.
• Bhutan Hydropower Services Limited (BHSL): BHSL is the DGPC-owned sister company manufacturing hydro-mechanical equipment (gates, penstocks, stoplogs) for DHyE's projects (Nu. 2,073M Gamri + Nu. 1,256M Jomori contracts). Not a competitor, but a critical in-ecosystem supplier that defines DHyE's localized execution capability.
• Flovel Energy Private Limited: Indian manufacturer of hydro turbines and generators, awarded the electro-mechanical package for DHyE's 18 MW Suchhu HPP. A regional equipment supplier serving the same small-hydro EPC market as DHyE's projects.

Direct peers

• Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC): DGPC is DHyE's 100% parent and Bhutan's principal hydropower operator (operating mega projects such as Tala, Chukha, Basochhu). They share the same owner (Royal Government of Bhutan via DHI) and the same national-mandate model for developing and operating hydropower assets in Bhutan.
• Energy Development Corporation Limited (Bhutan): EDCL is a Bhutanese DHI-owned enterprise focused on renewable energy and small/mid hydropower project development in Bhutan. As a sister entity under the same government holding, it is the closest peer in mandate, scale, and Bhutanese operating context.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/drukhydro
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/druk-hydro-energy-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Druk Hydro Energy Limited