The growing Himalayan risks in Bhutan’s hydropower ties with India
Nepal floods bring renewed focus on neighbour Bhutan’s efforts to protect its economically crucial – but debt generating – hydro infrastructure and trade with India The post The growing Himalayan risks in Bhutan’s hydropower ties with India appeared first on Dialogue Earth .
Glaciologist Karma Toeb is inspecting a vulnerable glacial lake in Bhutan, expressing concern about the rapid changes in the environment and the downstream impacts resulting from climate change. Despite Bhutan's lack of contribution to these changes, the country faces significant risks. The Thorthormi glacial lake in Lunana, one of Bhutan's most remote settlements, is being tested with technology to determine if it can be drained to reduce the risk of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
A GLOF could threaten two major hydropower projects – Punatsangchhu-II and Punatsangchhu-I, both partially funded by India. Bhutan has been working on protecting its population and hydropower projects from potential GLOFs, including upgrading its early-warning system. The recent devastating floods in Nepal and China have rekindled concerns about the risks, as the disaster damaged at least 15 hydropower plants and transmission infrastructure, disrupting generation and exports.
Hydropower contributes significantly to Bhutan's economy, accounting for 12-15% of its GDP, and plays a crucial role in the country's diplomatic ties with India, with Bhutan being the sole importer of Bhutanese hydropower.
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