DAWA ZANGMO | Thimphu
The Dagachhu and Suchhu Hydropower Projects, two key power plants in Bhutan’s hydropower network, continue recovery efforts following extensive damage caused by last year’s torrential rainfall.
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has confirmed the current status of the projects, highlighting ongoing restoration work and projected operational timelines.
The 126-megawatt (MW) Dagachhu Hydropower Plant has remained under shutdown since 9th October 2025, after heavy receding monsoon rains inflicted severe damage on several critical components of the project.
The floods disrupted the Water Conductor System (WCS), which is central to the plant’s operations, prompting extensive repair works.
The Head Race Channel (HRC), which connects the Desilter to the head race tunnel as part of the WCS, was among the most affected structures.
Director General of Department of Energy, Karma Penjor Dorji reported that the foundation of the HRC was completely washed away by floodwaters, leaving the channel non-functional and halting the flow of water necessary for power generation.
The flooding also impacted the plant’s access infrastructure. The road leading to the diversion weir and the power house was washed away, temporarily isolating the facility.
Additionally, the slope at the 220kV Pothead Yard suffered extensive damage, though its foundation remained intact.
Equipment at the dam, including the downstream gantry crane and tuff boom, was completely destroyed. The cut-off wing wall at the dam and a portion of the fish ladder were also washed away.
Director stated that restoration of the Dagachhu plant is actively underway. He added that, ’the head race channel is being replaced with a steel penstock, with work contracted to M/s BHSL, Jigmeling.
The first lot of steel penstock is expected to arrive at the site by mid-February 2026. Work on the downhill slope of the HRC, involving boulder barriers and compacted backfill, has been completed. Uphill slope stabilization, using soil nailing and concreting techniques, is currently in progress.’
Access roads leading to the diversion weir and power house have been restored temporarily to facilitate ongoing repairs. The slope of the 220kV Pothead Yard is also being reinstated, while replacement of the downstream gantry crane and tuff boom has begun.
Restoration of the cut-off wing wall and the affected section of the fish ladder will be carried out following completion of the WCS.
The Ministry has indicated that the Dagachhu Hydropower Plant is expected to resume operations tentatively by the end of April 2026. The extended shutdown has resulted in significant revenue losses.
Based on the plant’s tariff rate of Nu 3.535 per unit, generation losses are projected to reach approximately Nu 655 million by the time the plant is fully operational.
Authorities have attributed these losses to the force majeure event caused by unprecedented rainfall and flooding.
The 18MW Suchhu Hydropower Plant, while less severely affected than Dagachhu, also sustained damage from the floods.
The flood damaged a section of the Glass Reinforced Pipe (GRP), a key component in water conveyance. The damaged section was restored promptly, allowing the plant to resume operations on 28th October 2025.
The project also experienced damage to its access roads and protective retaining walls at multiple locations.
Restoration work is ongoing, with authorities focusing on stabilizing road networks and reinforcing protection walls to ensure safe operation of the plant.
Director has stated that all restoration efforts for both hydropower plants are being closely monitored to meet safety and operational standards.
Teams are prioritizing structural stability, particularly in areas prone to erosion and landslides, to prevent further disruption during the upcoming monsoon season.
He had emphasized that while the Dagachhu plant remains offline, work on critical infrastructure components continues to progress steadily.
The replacement of damaged equipment, stabilization of slopes, and repair of the WCS are all being carried out in a phased manner to ensure the plant’s long-term operational resilience.
Similarly, at the Suchhu plant, repair works on road networks and retaining walls are being conducted alongside regular maintenance to prevent recurrence of flood-related damages.
Authorities remain committed to minimizing disruption to Bhutan’s energy supply while ensuring the safety and durability of the hydropower facilities.
The Dagachhu and Suchhu hydropower projects are essential contributors to Bhutan’s electricity generation capacity.
The revenue loss from Dagachhu’s temporary shutdown underscores the economic impact of natural disasters on hydropower-dependent economies.
Meanwhile, the rapid restoration of the Suchhu plant highlights the resilience of smaller hydropower operations in responding to flood events.
Both projects are expected to regain full operational capacity within the first half of 2026, contributing to Bhutan’s overall energy security.
Director – General has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the sites closely, improving infrastructure resilience, and implementing preventive measures to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events in the future.
The Dagachhu and Suchhu hydropower plants are gradually recovering from the damage caused by last year’s heavy rains, with major restoration works progressing steadily.
While Dagachhu faces significant challenges due to the scale of the damage, the Suchhu plant has resumed operations with ongoing repairs to ancillary infrastructure.
Authorities are focused on ensuring that both facilities return to full operational capacity safely and efficiently, securing Bhutan’s electricity supply for the coming months.
