Tata Power and Druk Green Power Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a comprehensive skill development ecosystem aimed at supporting the development of 5,000 MW of clean energy capacity in Bhutan. The agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the long-term partnership between the two organizations as Bhutan accelerates its clean energy expansion plans. The MoU focuses on building a structured and future-ready workforce capable of supporting the construction, operation, and maintenance of upcoming clean energy projects in the country.
The signing ceremony took place in Thimphu in the presence of Bhutan Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay. The agreement was formally signed by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Power, and Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, Managing Director of DGPC. Senior officials from both organizations and representatives from relevant institutions also attended the event.
Under the partnership, training programmes will be delivered through the Tata Power Skill Development Institute (TPSDI), leveraging its expertise in power sector training and workforce development. The initiative aims to equip trainees with practical skills and technical knowledge required across multiple areas of clean energy infrastructure development.
Dr Sinha stated that the partnership reflects a shared vision of building a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting Bhutan’s growing clean energy ambitions. He noted that TPSDI will contribute industry-focused training programmes covering safe operations, emerging technologies, operations and maintenance, and modern energy systems to help create industry-ready professionals.
Tata Power will provide technical expertise, training infrastructure, educational content, and accreditation support through TPSDI for effective implementation of the programmes. DGPC, on the other hand, will coordinate trainee mobilisation and deployment while facilitating execution in partnership with Bhutanese authorities and institutions. DGPC will also oversee regulatory approvals and coordination with the Government of Bhutan and relevant agencies, while Tata Power will secure required approvals from Indian authorities for programme implementation.
Dasho Chhewang Rinzin said the partnership represents a practical initiative to strengthen local capabilities needed to support Bhutan’s expanding clean energy sector. He added that DGPC will work closely with Bhutanese stakeholders to identify workforce requirements and ensure the training ecosystem aligns with national development priorities and broader workforce advancement efforts.
The proposed skill development framework will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will focus on safety readiness through mandatory safety induction and workforce training programmes before personnel enter project sites. The second phase will expand into technical skill development related to construction activities, material handling, and operation of earth-moving equipment tailored to project requirements.
The third phase will focus on building specialized capabilities for the long-term operation and maintenance of clean energy assets, helping create a sustainable talent pipeline for Bhutan’s future power infrastructure.
TPSDI was established to bridge skill gaps across the power sector through modular training and certification programmes aligned with industry requirements. The institute is accredited by the National Safety Council of India and recognized by national vocational and skill development bodies including NSDC and NCVET. TPSDI operates an extensive training network across India and provides practical training across thermal, hydro, solar, wind, and green hydrogen technologies. The institute’s expertise in safety and operational training is expected to play a key role in supporting Bhutan’s clean energy expansion plans.
The collaboration also reflects growing regional cooperation in sustainable energy development as Bhutan seeks to strengthen its hydropower and renewable energy infrastructure over the coming decade. DGPC currently operates 3,473 MW of hydropower capacity and aims to expand to 15,000 MW of hydro capacity and 5,000 MW of solar capacity over the next ten years, including investments in small hydro projects.
Tata Power, part of the Tata Group, continues to expand its clean and renewable energy portfolio across generation, transmission, distribution, solar manufacturing, EV charging infrastructure, and storage technologies while pursuing its long-term Net Zero target by 2045. Tata Power continues to play a central role in India’s energy landscape, with a diversified portfolio spanning generation, transmission, distribution, and renewable energy. The company remains focused on expanding grid capacity and supporting the country’s transition toward a more resilient and sustainable power ecosystem.
