OPINION-𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲

The question of how Bhutan positions itself in the global conversation on clean transportation is no longer theoretical. As the climate crisis deepens, small nations like ours must not merely adapt but set examples by embracing technologies that align with our values of sustainability and Gross National Happiness.

For years, electric vehicles (EVs) have been promoted as the answer to greener transport. Yet their limitations- high costs, dependence on imported batteries, and the challenge of establishing widespread charging infrastructure- remain significant. Added to this is a looming concern that rarely enters the conversation: the eventual disposal of EV batteries. If Bhutan is not prepared with proper systems for recycling and waste management, discarded batteries could pose a greater environmental hazard than the problem they were meant to solve. This reality makes it necessary to explore other alternatives before we tie our future to a single technology.

This is where hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, though often overlooked in Bhutan’s discussions, deserve urgent attention. Hydrogen cars, powered by fuel cells that convert hydrogen into electricity, offer distinct advantages. Unlike EVs that require long charging times, hydrogen vehicles can be refueled in minutes, making them more practical for long-distance travel and heavy-duty transport. They produce only water vapor as emissions, aligning perfectly with our national commitment to carbon neutrality. Their potential goes beyond cars, extending to buses, trucks, and even industrial applications, creating a broader ecosystem of clean energy use. For a mountainous country like Bhutan, with long stretches of winding roads and a reliance on heavy transport for goods and construction, this technology could be transformative.

Globally, nations investing in hydrogen are already treating it as more than just an alternative fuel. It is increasingly viewed as a central pillar of the low-carbon economy. Countries with ambitious hydrogen roadmaps are exploring its use not only in transport but also in electricity generation and industrial decarbonization. The advantage for Bhutan is that our abundant renewable hydropower can be leveraged to produce green hydrogen- hydrogen generated through electrolysis using renewable energy sources. This means Bhutan could become a pioneer not just in adopting hydrogen cars but also in producing hydrogen sustainably, setting a regional benchmark.

There are, of course, challenges. Establishing hydrogen infrastructure requires significant initial investment. Fueling stations, storage systems, and safe transportation of hydrogen must be developed from scratch. The technology is still more expensive than conventional fossil fuel or even battery-based systems. However, these challenges should not be deterrents. Rather, they should be catalysts for long-term planning. In many countries, early government support in the form of subsidies, policy incentives, and partnerships with international companies has jump-started the hydrogen ecosystem. Bhutan can do the same by actively seeking collaborations with countries and firms already leading in this field.

Foreign direct investment could play a central role. Just as Bhutan has looked to international partners in hydropower development, a similar model could be pursued for hydrogen technology. By inviting foreign companies with expertise in hydrogen fuel cell technology to set up production facilities here, Bhutan could gradually develop localized capacity. The presence of international players would not only lower costs but also create employment opportunities and build technical know-how among our workforce.

One of the criticisms often directed at EVs in Bhutan is their price. Imported EVs are costly, primarily because of the expensive batteries and the lack of local manufacturing. Hydrogen cars, at least initially, will also be costly. But this is precisely why Bhutan must not wait until the technology matures elsewhere before entering the scene. Early engagement can help us influence pricing structures, benefit from pilot projects, and prepare the policy environment in advance. If the government takes the bold step of making hydrogen cars mandatory over the long term, Bhutan would carve out a niche identity as a nation willing to embrace innovation for the sake of environmental integrity.

Policy direction is essential here. Subsidies for clean vehicles, tax exemptions for hydrogen car imports, and targeted investments in refueling infrastructure are immediate steps that can lay the foundation. In parallel, Bhutan should establish research collaborations with universities and technology institutes abroad, ensuring our future workforce is not left behind in this transition. Partnerships with countries that have advanced hydrogen strategies can help us avoid pitfalls and adapt best practices.

Critics might argue that hydrogen is still an unproven technology for smaller markets and that Bhutan’s size does not justify such ambition. But it is precisely Bhutan’s small size that makes experimentation possible. With a limited fleet, manageable road network, and centralized governance, Bhutan could become a living laboratory for hydrogen mobility. Success here would not only benefit Bhutan but could also provide a replicable model for other developing nations with similar geographies and energy resources.

The wider benefits extend beyond transportation. Hydrogen as an energy carrier can be integrated into heating, power generation, and even industrial processes. By creating a hydrogen economy, Bhutan would diversify its renewable energy portfolio, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, and strengthen energy security. This vision aligns with our longstanding aspiration of remaining carbon neutral while pursuing sustainable economic growth.

The world is moving quickly, and the window for Bhutan to act as a leader rather than a follower is closing. If we restrict ourselves to incremental improvements in conventional or electric vehicles, we risk being left behind. Instead, Bhutan can redefine what it means to be a small yet forward-thinking nation in the climate era. The choice is stark: remain a passive observer of technological shifts or seize the opportunity to shape them in ways that align with our values and future aspirations.

Bhutan’s hydropower gave us the foundation to be called a green nation. Now, hydrogen could become the next chapter in that story. It will demand courage, foresight, and international collaboration. But if Gross National Happiness is truly about balancing progress with sustainability, then investing in hydrogen transportation is not just a technological choice- it is a moral and strategic imperative.

Tshering, Thimphu