Hydropowered Bhutan explores solar to diversify and meet growing demand
Solar projects represent a new direction for Bhutan, where hydropower exports account for up to 15% of gross domestic product.
Thimphu, Bhutan - In the shadow of the Himalayas, Bhutan has long harnessed its abundant rivers to generate hydropower, keeping the nation carbon negative. However, climate change and growing demand are threatening this renewable energy source, prompting the country to diversify its energy mix. Engineer Rinzin Galley, senior engineer at Norion Renewable Energy, points to a field of solar panels on the edge of the capital, Thimphu, as evidence of Bhutan's shift towards solar energy.
The company's largest project is the 4.45 MW Dechencholing solar farm, one of several installations launched in recent years. The nation aims to develop around 5,000 MW of solar capacity by 2040, accounting for a fifth of its total energy mix. Despite Bhutan's strong hydropower sector, which generates up to 15% of its GDP, the country relies on imported electricity from India during the winter months when rivers run low.
Officials attribute part of the growing demand to construction projects and the rise of bitcoin mining. The challenge lies in Bhutan's mountainous terrain, which hinders large-scale solar project development. To address this, the government is training solar engineers and encouraging rooftop solar installations, though the high cost remains a barrier for most citizens.
With climate change posing an additional threat to Bhutan's hydropower supply, officials see solar as a crucial component of the nation's long-term energy strategy.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
