Bhutan solar energy storage distribution cabinet communication power supply

How can Bhutan improve its energy security?

To improve Bhutan’s energy security while strengthening resilience to water variation and climate change, it is required to diversify power generation sources and types, including (i) solar farms, rooftop and floating solar, and agrivoltaics; and (ii) storage and pumped storage hydropower and small hydropower. 4 H. Nagai et al. 2017.

Who owns the energy sector in Bhutan?

Bhutan’s energy sector operations have separate commercial management and ownership from the government. The state-owned Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) owns and operates power plants while the Bhutan Power Corporation, also state-owned, performs transmission and distribution.

How much energy can a rooftop solar system generate in Bhutan?

Bhutan’s estimated total energy generation potential from rooftop solar system is 3,586 MW, including specific estimates for Thimphu (789 MW) and Paro (206 MW).5 In Thimphu alone, there are 1,521 government buildings suitable for rooftop solar installations, with an estimated capacity of 50 MW.

Does Bhutan have a higher electricity tariff than its cost of supply?

While Bhutan industrial consumers pay a higher electricity tariff than their cost of supply, the rate of Nu 2.66/kilowatt-hour (kWh) (equivalent to ¢3.2/kWh) remains attractive to power intensive industries.