Bhutan has inaugurated its first solar village project in Paro, providing clean energy to over 150 remote households. The project, funded by the Asian Development Bank, aims to diversify Bhutan’s energy sources beyond hydropower.
With monsoon fluctuations affecting hydroelectric output, Bhutan is now promoting solar mini-grids in sun-rich rural zones. Residents have received training on maintenance, and schools in the area are now powered by solar panels.
India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, all of which face similar rural electrification challenges, are taking note. Bhutan’s model could be replicated in off-grid South Asian villages for better energy security.