Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC), Bhutan Power Corporation Limited (BPC), and Hyosung Heavy Industries Corporation of South Korea signed a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the maintenance of Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) systems and strengthen technical capacity in Bhutan’s power sector.
The agreement marks a significant step towards improving the reliability, efficiency and sustainability of Bhutan’s hydropower plants and electricity substations. It also reflects the country’s growing focus on building local technical expertise to support future energy development.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between the three organizations in the maintenance and servicing of GIS systems, which are essential components of modern power transmission and distribution networks. The partnership will also focus on supplying spare parts and technical components, while providing training and certification opportunities for Bhutanese engineers and technicians.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Lyonpo Gem Tshering. Also present were the Chairman of Druk Holding and Investments Ltd. (DHI), senior government officials, and representatives from DGPC, BPCand Hyosung Heavy Industries Corporation.
At the gathering, Lyonpo Gem Tshering emphasized the importance of adopting modern technologies and strengthening national technical capabilities as Bhutan’s energy sector continues to expand.
“As Bhutan develops its power infrastructure to ensure future energy security and support economic growth, partnerships such as this will play an important role in meeting long-term energy needs,” the Minister said. He added that enhancing the technical knowledge and maintenance capabilities of Bhutanese professionals would reduce dependence on external expertise and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
Bhutan’s hydropower sector remains one of the country’s most important economic pillars, generating clean electricity for domestic consumption and export. As the sector grows, maintaining advanced equipment such as GIS systems has become increasingly important to ensure uninterrupted power supply and efficient operation of hydropower plants and substations.
Managing Director of DGPC, Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, described the agreement as an important milestone in strengthening Bhutan’s power sector and supporting long-term technical self-reliance.
He said the partnership goes beyond providing maintenance services for GIS systems. According to him, the collaboration also opens opportunities for Bhutan to benefit from other advanced technologies developed by Hyosung Heavy Industries.
Dasho Chhewang Rinzin noted that Hyosung’s manufacturing and service facilities in Pune, India, are expected to play a key role in delivering technical services and support to Bhutan. This proximity is expected to improve service efficiency and reduce the time required for maintenance and technical assistance.
Chief Executive Officer of Bhutan Power Corporation, Sonam Tobjey, said reliable maintenance systems and skilled technical professionals are essential for providing quality electricity services across the country.
He noted that international partnerships with leading technology providers are becoming increasingly important as Bhutan modernizes its electricity network and prepares for future energy demands. He added that strengthening technical competencies within the country would improve the long-term reliability of Bhutan’s power infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Vice President of Hyosung Heavy Industries Corporation, Junill Yoon, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s energy sector through the supply of advanced products, dependable technical services and knowledge sharing.
He highlighted the growing global demand for clean energy and said stronger international partnerships are essential to achieving sustainable growth in the energy sector. He also expressed confidence that the collaboration would create new opportunities for both Bhutan and Hyosung in the years ahead.
Gas Insulated Switchgear systems are widely used in modern power transmission because they require less space, offer high operational reliability, and perform efficiently under various environmental conditions. Proper maintenance of these systems is critical for ensuring uninterrupted electricity transmission and minimizing equipment failures.
Officials said that through the MoU, Bhutanese engineers and technicians will receive specialized training and certification that will help build a skilled workforce capable of independently maintaining advanced power infrastructure. The initiative is also expected to reduce maintenance costs over time by increasing local expertise.
Following the signing of the MoU, DGPC and BPC will separately negotiate and sign definitive agreements with Hyosung Heavy Industries. These agreements will outline the implementation plans, service scope, timelines, and commercial arrangements required to carry out the collaboration.
Meanwhile, the tripartite partnership is expected to strengthen Bhutan’s technical capabilities while ensuring the reliable operation of its growing electricity infrastructure. As Bhutan continues to invest in clean energy and expand its hydropower capacity, collaborations that combine international expertise with local capacity building are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the country’s long-term energy security and sustainable economic development.
Sherab Dorji, Thimphu
