The 400kV GIS Substation in Jigmeling, Gelephu was inaugurated on 30th December, 2017. The event was graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Chief Justice, Lyonpo Lekey Dorji, MOEA and delegates from M/s. KEC International, India and M/s. Hyosung Corporation, South Korea were also present at the event.
As per the National Transmission Grid Master Plan, Jigmeling was identified as the pooling station connecting the grid between eastern and western region. With the commissioning of the substation, it is expected to solve the power outage in the country. That is when there is a power problem in the west, the power can be evacuated from the east through the Substation and likewise. The substation is also envisaged to cater power to the upcoming Industrial estate in Jigmeling and export surplus power to India via Alipurduar.
Unlike in the past, with the 400kV GIS substation, Bhutan can now retain power for internal use before evacuating to India directly from the hydropower plants.
Certificate of Recognition was awarded to the employees and consultants involved in the successful completion of the project. The 400kV GIS substation is the first of its kind in the country.