Does Bhutan have a solar energy project?

The project was executed by the Bhutanese government’s Department of Renewable Energy in collaboration with the Bhutan Power Corporation, a public utility. It received funding support from the Japanese government and was supported by the United Nations Development Programme in Bhutan. Is this the start of a solar energy rollout in Bhutan?

Can solar power plants help Bhutan achieve energy security?

The Solar Plant in Rubesa is one such initiative that takes Bhutan a step closer to achieving energy security through a diversified and sustainable energy supply mix. The project particularly demonstrates the viability of solar power plants on a utility-scale.

What is Bhutan's first solar power project?

The first phase of Bhutan’s first utility-scale solar power project at Sephu in Wangdue Phodrang is set for completion by March next year. A utility-scale solar facility generates solar power and feeds it into the grid. The 17.38-megawatt solar farm is expected to generate around 24 million units of energy annually, once operational.

Could a solar power plant be connected to Bhutan's national grid?

On 27 August, the first ground-mounted solar power plant to be connected to Bhutan’s national grid went online. Households could be powered for a year by the solar plant at Rubesa, given the average household in Bhutan uses 1,567 kWh of electricity per year

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.

Is solar power a viable alternative to hydropower in Bhutan?

Nearly all electricity generated in the small landlocked Himalayan country currently comes from hydropower. The project in Rubesa is therefore a step towards diversifying Bhutan’s electricity supply. As well as expanding institutional capacity, it demonstrates the feasibility and viability of solar projects in the country.