Kuensel | YK Poudel | July 27, 2024
Bhutan aims to produce 15 GW of hydropower, 5000 MW of solar power and 28 MW of wind power by 2040
The government is currently reviewing the Renewable Energy Development Roadmap to diversify the country’s energy system by exploring alternative renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal and biomass.
The roadmap, which will be launched soon, will focus on addressing the widening energy demand-supply gap, import dependency, and energy security by 2034 and beyond.
By 2040, Bhutan plans to have a total energy basket of 15 Gigawatt (GW) of hydropower, 5,000 MW of solar power, and 28 MW of wind power.
Investment in these areas are among the key priorities of the government in the 13th Plan. These priorities also align with the government’s commitment made at 28th Conference of Parties on phasing out the use of fossils and transitioning to renewable energy.
During the sixth Meet-The-Press yesterday, the director of the Department of Energy, Karma Penjor Dorji, said that the strategy would contribute to the energy mix and enhance energy security of the country. “Priority will be given to the development of solar and wind energy sources over the years.”
He said that Bhutan has a potential of producing over 33 GW of hydropower, 12 GW of solar energy and 0.7 GW of wind power. In the past five decades, Bhutan has harnessed over 2,444 MW of hydropower, which constitutes only 7.5 percent of the total potential.
The director said that the peak demand for energy last year exceeded by about 130 percent, reaching 956 MW, which was more than double the firm power availability of 415 MW.
To meet the energy deficit, Bhutan imports electricity during the lean season in winters. “This trend is expected to continue with increasing demand for energy unless additional generation capacities are developed in the country,” the director said.
Currently, 3,119 MW of hydropower projects, both large and small are under construction, slated to be commissioned in the 13th Plan.
A total of 16 hydropower projects with a capacity of 11 GW are being planned for investment and construction which will be commissioned from 2030. Another 4,304 MW project will be started in 2035, leading to 15 GW of hydropower by 2040.
Further, the government is planning to develop 5,000 MW of solar power and 28 MW of wind power by 2040.
In addition, the 13th Plan includes the development of 500 MW utility-scale solar projects in various locations, including rooftop installations in urban and rural areas, agri-solar projects, and 23 MW wind power projects.
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