Component of solar energy system Bhutan

How much solar power does Bhutan have?

Director of the Department of Renewable Energy (DRE), Phuntsho Namgyal, said that Bhutan was endowed with 12,000 megawatts (MW) of solar power potential. He added that today, a negligible percentage (next to zero) of solar energy is tapped.

Can solar power plants help Bhutan achieve energy security?

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

Is solar a reliable energy source in Bhutan?

The pilot grid-tied solar project at the UN House will demonstrate solar as a reliable energy source and serve as a key driver of energy source diversification in Bhutan. The UN House in Thimphu inaugurated its 83 KW grid connected rooftop solar, a first of its kind in Bhutan, and the 20 KW solar-thermal space heating projects on 8 March 2021.

Why should Bhutan invest in solar power?

Like hydropower, sun is a bountiful resource Bhutan can tap into for producing renewable energy in keeping with our carbon neutrality commitments and also for enhancing energy security through diversification of energy sources. The commissioning and inauguration of the 180kW grid-tied ground mounted solar photo-voltaic power plant

Is grid-tied solar a viable alternative energy source in Bhutan?

The commissioning and inauguration of the 180kW grid-tied ground mounted solar photo-voltaic power plant marks the start of Bhutan’s investment in grid-tied solar energy as a viable alternative energy source in the face of soaring domestic demand and climate change.

Will Bhutan build a mega solar power plant?

One imminent project is the construction of Bhutan’s first mega solar power plant, a 17MW plant in Sephu, Wangdue. Today, all of Bhutan’s electricity generation is from renewables such as hydropower, wind, and solar. However, 78 percent of the country’s energy consumption is supplied by fossil fuels, largely for transportation purposes.