𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲

By Tashi Tshewang

In celebration of World Environment Day, Bhutan launched its utility-scale biogas project “Production of Commercial Biogas from Household Waste,” aimed at converting Thimphu’s organic urban waste into clean energy and biofertilizer. The South Asian Association of Regional Corporation Development Fund (SDF) and Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) led the initiative, marking an important step in country’s move toward sustainable urban energy solutions.

The Nu. 81.1 million (USD 948,616) project will establish a 20-ton-per-day biogas facility on the outskirts of Thimphu. It is expected to replace nearly 17,490 LPG cylinders annually and produce 990 metric tons of organic fertilizer. Besides providing a greener and more affordable alternative to imported LPG, the project will divert over 6,600 tons of waste from landfills and reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 3,595 tons each year.

Supported by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Thimphu Thromde, and multiple funding partners, the two-year project positions Bhutan as a regional leader in waste-to-energy solutions under the SAARC framework.
Irosha Cooray, Officer-In-Charge of the SAARC Development Fund, said, “We are proud to support this innovative project that contributes to a cleaner energy process by converting household organic waste into commercial biogas and biofertilizers. By transforming waste into energy, this project shows how regional cooperation and local action can support sustainable development across our region.”

The initiative is among the first utility-scale biogas projects in the country, addressing urban waste management while providing affordable clean energy options. As cities across South Asia face challenges with waste disposal, rising LPG prices, and carbon emissions, this project offers a model for sustainable urban infrastructure aligned with regional climate and energy goals.

She added, “What we are launching in Bhutan and it’s not just a project. It is a regional example. We hope to see similar models adopted across SAARC Member States where urban centers face comparable challenges in waste management, energy security, and climate resilience.”

Dr Norbu Wandgi, Officiating Executive Director of the Bhutan Ecological Society, said, “This project is a strategic step in Bhutan’s energy transition. Compared to imported LPG, biogas will cost about 3 percent less than subsidized and 25 percent less than unsubsidized LPG, making it both affordable and climate-friendly. We are grateful to SDF for their support and look forward to working closely with our partners and local communities.”

Sonam Wangchuk, Chief Environment Officer of Thimphu Thromde, added, “We are facing increasing wet waste accumulation at Memelakha. This biogas project will help manage that by integrating waste into a circular economy. Processing household organic waste into biogas and compost offers long-term solutions. Alongside the biogas plant, composting facilities are being constructed to further reduce wet waste. These efforts support our goal of reducing landfill pressure and promoting a cleaner urban environment.”

The capital is currently struggling with rising waste management issues. Despite public awareness and waste segregation campaigns, unprocessed waste continues to grow. Urban households, restaurants, and markets generate large amounts of organic waste, much of which is mixed with plastics and non-biodegradables, making composting difficult.

Sonam Wangchuk said, “Thimphu Thromde produces over 50 metric tons of waste daily, with more than 30 tons being wet waste. All this goes to the Memelakha landfill, where the situation is challenging. Even with waste segregation efforts, many still mix plastics with wet waste, complicating treatment and composting. This is one of our biggest challenges.”

Tashi Dema, a resident of Dechencholing, expressed concern about the project’s execution. “While turning waste into biogas and fertilizer is innovative, I worry about how well this will be carried out. Many awareness campaigns on segregation have been held, but people still throw plastics with wet waste,” she said.

She noted that without active engagement, follow-up, and stronger accountability, the gap between policy and public behavior could affect the project’s success. “If households and businesses don’t separate organic waste properly, it will be hard for the plant to function efficiently. Without strict monitoring and public cooperation, the system could be overwhelmed or misused. I hope authorities invest in education and enforcement before relying fully on this facility.”

Sonam Phuntsho from Yusipang shared similar concerns. “Despite years of sensitization, the reality is far from ideal. Inconsistent behavior, lack of follow-up, and weak enforcement have hindered past initiatives. Unless the government invests not only in infrastructure but also in long-term behavioral change and accountability, the impact of this biogas plant may be limited. It’s important to combine technology with community responsibility and practical systems.”

He added, “Proper waste separation by households and businesses is crucial. Without strict monitoring and cooperation, the plant could face operational problems. Authorities need to focus on education and enforcing segregation rules before fully depending on this facility.”