Bhutan Targets 5 GW of Solar Power by 2040

Bhutan's leading renewable energy company just partnered with an Indian firm to build hundreds of megawatts of new solar and hydropower projects across the Himalayan kingdom.

Druk Green Power Corporation signed the agreement with Kolkata-based Carbon Resources Private Limited to develop projects between 100 MW and 250 MW. The partnership marks another major step in Bhutan's ambitious journey to become a renewable energy powerhouse.

The timing couldn't be better. Bhutan has signed agreements for more than 12 GW of generation capacity to date, according to Energy Minister Lyonpo Gem Tshering. The nation aims to reach 25 GW of installed capacity by 2040.

Right now, Bhutan generates about 2.5 GW, almost entirely from hydropower plants. But solar is rapidly gaining ground in a country once dominated by rivers and dams.

The country commissioned its first utility-scale solar plant just last July, a 17.38 MW array in central Bhutan. Since then, projects have been moving fast. A 120 MW solar farm called Jamjee was awarded in August, and another 120 MW project at Wobthang is scheduled to break ground this September.

The Ripple Effect

Bhutan's transformation tells a bigger story about what's possible when nations commit to clean energy. The country already runs on nearly 100% renewable electricity, and now it's racing to add 5 GW of solar capacity by 2040.

This isn't just about environmental progress. Bhutan measures success through Gross National Happiness, and clean energy fits perfectly into that vision. More renewable capacity means energy security, economic growth, and protection of the pristine landscapes that define Bhutanese culture.

The country's approach shows smaller nations can lead on climate action. By partnering with international firms and leveraging its natural resources, Bhutan is proving that ambitious clean energy goals are achievable.

Construction on the Wobthang solar project will take about 18 months, with operations expected in early 2028. Each new solar panel brings Bhutan closer to its vision of a future powered entirely by nature.

From hydropower pioneer to solar champion, Bhutan continues lighting the way forward.