Abundant water resources propel Bhutan’s clean energy exporting vision with hydropower turbines installed capacity crossing 2000+ MW currently, driving macro growth through electricity exports earning over 25% of national revenues by powering regional needs sustainably while minimizing ecological harm. However, nurturing sector technical skills advancement, grid management capabilities and alternatives leverage like solar now warrant policy priority to sustain strategic influence amidst climate flux and evolving cross border power trading mechanisms necessitating flexibility.
Moreover, pursuing multi-purpose dams investments potential around improving irrigation access, boosting tourism site attractiveness through recreational reservoirs creation and managing ecological flow balance also holds strong promise given Bhutan’s geography and internet connectivity infrastructure gaps that hydropower expansion can potentially help bridge through associated development of roads, schools and community infrastructure in remote regions.
Well positioned to advise regional utilities balance continuity and change, our advisors at energy consulting firm RFC offer readily customizable ideas guiding Bhutan’s power ecosystem policy prioritization and institutional capacity building to futureproof sustainability credentials as a pioneering clean energy exporter uplifting national prosperity equitability!