𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩

…𝒂𝒊𝒎𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 1,000 𝑴𝑾 𝒃𝒚 2029 𝒂𝒏𝒅 5,000 𝑴𝑾 𝒃𝒚 2040 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒈𝒚 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒕𝒉

By KinzangLhamo & SonamChoden

Bhutan is fast emerging as a regional leader in renewable energy, with an ambitious push to expand solar power across the country. The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), through the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), has partnered with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to implement the National Solar Energy Roadmap (2025-2040) and the Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2025-2029.

The roadmap sets clear targets: 1,000 MW of solar capacity by 2029, 2,500 MW by 2034, and 5,000 MW by 2040. According to MoENR projections, the strategy is expected to save USD 42.6 million in energy imports, reduce fossil fuel use by 677 kilolitres, avoid 0.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and generate USD 1.2 million in carbon credits. It will also add 620 MW of generation capacity and create domestic employment, supporting both environmental and economic priorities.

Unlike conventional energy projects, Bhutan’s approach combines large-scale installations with decentralized solutions. Major ventures such as the Sephu Solar Power Plant in Wangdue Phodrang and the Jigmeling project in Sarpang complement rooftop systems, floating solar, hybrid solutions, and solar-powered water pumps, expanding access for households, schools, and farms. Two pilot projects, each with 180 MW capacity, have already demonstrated solar’s potential, particularly during winter when hydropower output drops.

A core feature of Bhutan’s strategy is linking solar energy to community development. Initiatives such as solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, milling, and food-processing facilities aim to strengthen agricultural value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and generate new income streams for farmers and entrepreneurs. Training programs ensure that local communities gain the skills to manage and maintain these systems, promoting ownership and long-term sustainability.
“There are various applications where solar can help improve the livelihoods of rural people, create jobs, and provide a better home for communities,” said Ashish Khanna, Director General of ISA.

The CPS focuses on four strategic areas: expanding solar deployment to secure domestic supply, ensuring supportive policy and regulatory frameworks, strengthening institutional and human capacity, and mobilizing financing. ISA contributes technical support for feasibility studies, e-procurement, tendering, and entrepreneurship development, while facilitating private-sector engagement by de-risking investments.

Capacity building is further highlighted by the Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at the College of Science and Technology, with funding of USD 200,000-300,000 over two years. The centre promotes solar adoption, provides technical support, and partners with global institutions including the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. Two pilot storage projects have also been completed, signaling progress in managing renewable energy systems effectively.

Although Bhutan already has over 2,300 MW of hydropower, seasonal fluctuations often require electricity imports. Solar energy offers a cost-effective, rapid, and sustainable complement, ensuring reliable energy supply throughout the year.
By combining large-scale infrastructure with decentralized and community-focused initiatives, Bhutan shows that renewable energy can extend far beyond electricity generation. Solar power is helping advance rural development, improve food security, generate employment, and strengthen climate resilience, making it a central pillar of the nation’s sustainable growth strategy.

Through coordinated planning, public-private collaboration, and community participation, Bhutan provides a model for the region- demonstrating how technical innovation, inclusive policies, and long-term vision can converge to meet ambitious renewable energy goals.