Can solar power grow in Bhutan?

“We did the studies on renewable energy management master planning in 2016 and the reports say Bhutan has a capacity for 12 Giga watts of solar energy and 760 MW of wind so we have a lot to tap as there is a lot of opportunity for solar energy solar power to grow in Bhutan. There is a lot of potential and I think this is the right step.”

Why is Bhutan building a solar plant in Rubesa?

Phuntsho Namgyal said that the solar plant in Rubesa is part of the country’s plan to diversify its energy sources and enhance energy security. In 2019, the International Renewable Energy Agency carried out a Renewable Readiness Assessment of Bhutan.

Why is solar energy a problem in Bhutan?

The pilot solar plant at Rubesa, Wangduephodrang, revealed a need for skilled workers and expertise in Bhutan (Image: Bhutan Power Corporation) An additional problem is that the current low cost of power means people are not incentivised to explore solar energy, according to Adhikari.

How much does solar cost in Bhutan?

In Bhutan, the majority of the population live in rural areas, where energy is subsidised. Even those in cities are charged around BTN 3 (about USD 0.04) per unit (kilowatt-hour). To encourage local people and business to adopt solar power, the Bhutan Electricity Authority is looking to draft ‘Feed-In Tariff’ regulations.

How many kilowatt-hours a year does Bhutan generate?

It has the capacity to generate about 269,000 kilowatt-hours of energy per year, said Rozal Adhikari, an engineer in Bhutan Power Corporation Ltd’s renewable energy division. The project has been integrated with a 600kW wind farm on the same site.

Who is the chief guest of Bhutan Solar Initiative project (BSIP)?

The Prime Minister Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering was the Chief Guest. Bhutan Solar Initiative Project (BSIP) set up under Royal Command has implemented two Solar PV Projects in Thimphu. 250kW Rooftop Centenary Farmers Market (CMF) and 500kW Ground mounted at Dechencholing.