ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY RESILIENCE LESSONS FROM BHUTAN AND
Bhutan Hybrid Energy Storage Project
With hydropower providing 80% of its electricity, Thimphu's facing a modern dilemma: how to store surplus monsoon energy for dry winters. The Thimphu Power Storage initiative, launched in 2023, aims to solve this through cutting-edge battery systems. But wait, isn't Bhutan already carbon-negative? [pdf]FAQS about Bhutan Hybrid Energy Storage Project
Why should Bhutan invest in hydropower?
Largely driven by hydropower—a vital part of Bhutan's economy, capitalizing on this national asset will ensure that its growing power demands are met while also ensuring economic benefits including green job creation and infrastructure development.
What is Bhutan's energy vision for 2040?
This is in keeping with Bhutan’s vision for its energy sector which is to take its overall generation capacity to 25,000 MW by 2040 for its energy security and regional energy integration.
How much hydro capacity does DGPC have in Bhutan?
DGPC has a portfolio of 2453 MW of Hydro capacity in Bhutan, a large percentage of which is being exported to India, especially during the monsoon months. DGPC is envisioned to achieve 5,500 MW Hydro capacity within the next 5 years timeline including investments & development of Small Hydro and solar Projects.
Bhutan power station energy storage benefits
Since the late twentieth century, has been a very important aspect of Bhutan's economic development as a low-cost energy source supporting more capital-intensive industries, such as , , and and production. Bhutan's steep mountains, deep gorges, and fast-flowing rivers create abundant hydroelectric potential, which the government began to develop in the early 1960s with India's assistance. [pdf]FAQS about Bhutan power station energy storage benefits
Why is hydropower important to Bhutan?
“Hydropower is considered our nation’s most precious resource that belongs to all the people of Bhutan.” “I want to emphasise three immediate priority areas that will support the Gelephu project: Energy, Connectivity, and Skills. First, we need to further expand our energy sector.
Does Bhutan need long-term energy security?
With growing demand, where the peak power demand has outpaced firm power supply by 125% in 2024 which is expected to increase further, securing the country’s long-term energy security has become ever more a priority. For Bhutan, long-term energy security means meeting winter demands when our hydropower generation ebbs to the lowest.
What are the policies governing the energy sector in Bhutan?
1.8 The energy sector was governed by several policies, such as the Bhutan Sustainable Hydropower Development Policy-2021, Alternative Renewable Energy Policy-2013, Domestic Electricity Tariff Policy-2016 and National Energy Eficiency & Conservation Policy-2019.
Why is energy important in Bhutan?
Energy in Bhutan has been a primary focus of development in the kingdom under its Five-Year Plans. In cooperation with India, Bhutan has undertaken several hydroelectric projects whose output is traded between the countries.
Why is Bhutan Rethinking Power imports in 2022?
To meet the energy supply deficits, particularly during the dry winter season, Bhutan has resorted to power imports from the year 2022, and this is expected to continue until adequate additional firm capacity is developed.
What is Bhutan's integrated energy strategy?
The objectives driving this integrated strategy are clear: Guarantee long-term energy security; fuel sustainable socio-economic growth; enhance resilience against climate change; ensure continued access to reliable and competitive energy; and position Bhutan in the forefront of clean energy development.
