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Bhutan plans 5,000MW solar push by 2040

By Drooid · Sep 17, 2026, 6:14 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Bhutan targets 25,000 MW electricity capacity by 2040, with solar accounting for one-fifth.
Druk Green Power plans to add about 5,000 MW of solar generation.
Hydro generation drops 80 % in winter, forcing power imports from India.
Winter demand rose to 1,500 MW from 400 MW, driven by construction and bitcoin mining.
Former minister Om Pradhan paid 600,000 ngultrums ($6,300) for a rooftop system, unaffordable for most.

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Story summary

Bhutan targets 25,000 MW electricity capacity by 2040, with solar accounting for one-fifth.
Druk Green Power plans to add about 5,000 MW of solar generation.
Hydro generation drops 80 % in winter, forcing power imports from India.
Winter demand rose to 1,500 MW from 400 MW, driven by construction and bitcoin mining.
Former minister Om Pradhan paid 600,000 ngultrums ($6,300) for a rooftop system, unaffordable for most.