Shangsa, first village in Lunana to light up with solar power

Kuensel | Chencho Dema | August 28, 2024

Shangsa, a remote village in Lunana, is the first of the 13 unelectrified communities to be electrified with solar power, thanks to the installation of a 33kWp solar photovoltaic mini-grid system.

Located at 3,400 metres above sea level, Shangsa is about eight days on foot from the nearest road point at Tonshina in Laya gewog, Gasa.

The people of Shangsa previously relied on solar lighting for basic needs, like lighting homes and charging phones while they had to use firewood and LPG for cooking and heating.

The new solar mini-grid, which is estimated to generate 40.70MWh of energy annually, is set to transform the lives of 11 households of this highland village.

The 33kWp solar mini-grid plant was implemented by the Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, with funding support from Bhutan for Life and the government. The total expenditure for the project amounted to Nu 21.1 million.

Member of Parliament of Khamaed-Lunana Constituency Pema Drukpa said that the solar power will improve the lives of the people of Shangsa. “It is also going to have lots of positive impact on the environment as people will use less yak dung and fire wood for heating and cooking.”

He added that the present government has plans to construct a mini hydel in Lunana in the 13th plan.

The successful implementation of this solar mini-grid is part of the broader effort to provide reliable solar electricity to more villages in Lunana in the coming years.

Pema Drukpa said that with the help from Bhutan Trust Fund the entire solarisation of Lunana villages will happen within three years.

The Department of Energy is also exploring funds to complete the last-mile connectivity in these off-grid villages.

In a collaborative effort, the local community was engaged in every step of the project—from construction to commissioning. They also received training for the operation and maintenance of the plant, ensuring its sustainability through minimal monthly energy fees.

The solar electrification in Lunana is funded by Bhutan for Life.