Bhutan 200MW energy storage power station

“Hydropower is considered our nation's most precious resource that belongs to all the people of Bhutan.” “I want to emphasise three immediate priority areas that will support the Gelephu project: Energy, Connectivity, and Skills. First, we need to further expand our energy sector.

1.8 The energy sector was governed by several policies, such as the Bhutan Sustainable Hydropower Development Policy-2021, Alternative Renewable Energy Policy-2013, Domestic Electricity Tariff Policy-2016 and National Energy Eficiency & Conservation Policy-2019.

With growing demand, where the peak power demand has outpaced firm power supply by 125% in 2024 which is expected to increase further, securing the country's long-term energy security has become ever more a priority. For Bhutan, long-term energy security means meeting winter demands when our hydropower generation ebbs to the lowest.

To meet the energy supply deficits, particularly during the dry winter season, Bhutan has resorted to power imports from the year 2022, and this is expected to continue until adequate additional firm capacity is developed.

The objectives driving this integrated strategy are clear: Guarantee long-term energy security; fuel sustainable socio-economic growth; enhance resilience against climate change; ensure continued access to reliable and competitive energy; and position Bhutan in the forefront of clean energy development.

The land acquisition and leasing shall be carried out in accordance with the Land Act of Bhutan 2007 and its regulations and guidelines, as may be amended from time to time. 8.2 In case of the private land required for Renewable Energy project, the DoE will facilitate its acquisition and conversion to SRF.