How much solar energy will Bhutan produce?

According to the Renewable Energy Management Master Plan 2016, Bhutan has the potential to generate 12 gigawatts of solar power and 760 MW of wind energy. The first phase of the Sephu solar farm is expected to produce 25 million units of energy, enough to power 3,476 households, assuming an average urban household consumes five kilowatts of energy.

Is hydropower the key to Bhutan's economic growth?

Most of them are under study while 23 MW Sephu is under construction, 120 mw Jamjee is under the tender process along with the 8 MW solar rooftop. The 13th Five Year Plan document says as a strategic national resource and primary revenue generator, hydropower stands as a cornerstone of Bhutan’s economic growth.

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 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.

How much electricity does Bhutan import?

Despite Bhutan’s main energy source being hydropower, the country imports electricity during the winter and lean seasons. From December 2023 to May 13, 2024, Bhutan imported electricity worth Nu 6.07 billion, a significant increase from Nu 1.75 billion in the same period the previous year.