15/06/2026
Bhutan Automation & Engineering Ltd Successfully Commissions SCADA and Digital Control System at Gidakom Minihydel Plant on 11th June 2026
Thimphu, Bhutan – Bhutan Automation & Engineering Limited (BHUTAN AUTOMATION) has successfully commissioned and inaugurated a state-of-the-art Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and Digital Control System at the Gidakom Minihydel Plant (5 × 250 kW), marking a significant milestone in Bhutan’s hydropower modernization journey.
The project was executed for Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) and represents a major technological transformation of the Gidakom Minihydel Plant.
As part of the upgrade, the plant’s decades-old mechanical governor system has been replaced with a fully integrated digital automation platform. The new system incorporates the Woodward easYgen-3500XT-P1 Generator Management Controller, HYDAC Oil Pressurised Unit for electrohydraulic turbine control, Siemens SICAM A8000 Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), and SCALA 250 SCADA Master Station.
With the implementation of this advanced automation system, the plant now benefits from real-time remote monitoring and control, automatic generator synchronization, enhanced machine protection, and comprehensive supervisory control across all five generating units. These capabilities significantly improved operational efficiency, reliability, and system responsiveness, bringing the facility at par with the modern industry standards.
The successful completion of the project reflects the dedication, expertise, and commitment of BAEL’s engineering team, working closely with the staff of Chukha Hydropower Plant (CHP), Basochhu Hydropower Plant (BHP) and the Gidakom Minihydel Plant, throughout the installation and commissioning process.
BHUTAN AUTOMATION also extends its sincere appreciation to DGPC for its trust and confidence towards the company, enabling to deliver this landmark project.
“This achievement demonstrates that Bhutan possesses the technical expertise, talent, and capability to design, implement, and sustain world-class power automation solutions locally,” said BHUTAN AUTOMATION.
Building on the success of the Gidakom project, BHUTAN AUTOMATION is preparing to undertake the modernization of the Rangjung Minihydel Plant, further contributing to the advancement of Bhutan’s hydropower sector through innovative automation and control technologies.
The Gidakom project stands as a testament to Bhutan’s growing engineering capabilities and its commitment to embracing modern technologies to enhance the reliability and sustainability of the nation’s power infrastructure.
