The Bhutan Foundation’s renewable energy program is designed to facilitate equitable socio economic development, through improving access to reliable energy sources for remote communities in Bhutan. Recognizing the considerable demand for electricity in these remote areas, the program seeks to harness Bhutan’s renewable resources, particularly high solar irradiation. While some remote communities still remain unconnected to the reliable source of electricity due to geographical isolation or ecological sensitivity of the areas, our objective is to deliver sustainable energy solutions that are sensitive to these constraints.

Aja Ney

One notable initiative of this program is the establishment of a decentralized distributed Generation solar PV system in the community of Aja Ney, situated within the core zone of the Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary. This region, despite its cultural and ecological importance, was previously off-grid and highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The project in Aja Ney includes two decentralized distributed generation solar power plants. The first, a 25 kW plant, serves 14 households, a guest house and a medicinal hot stone bath facility, and the Pema Yangdzong monastery. The second, a 5 kW plant, serves an additional five homes and the local Dungkarchoeling temple. Despite the challenges in transporting necessary equipment due to the location’s remoteness, these solar plants are substantially improving the living conditions of the local population. They provide residents with access to modern amenities and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources such as firewood. In doing so, they also bring significant environmental benefits by reducing deforestation and promoting biodiversity conservation.

In brief, the Bhutan Foundation’s alternative energy program represents a significant stride toward sustainable and equitable development, combining the preservation of cultural and natural heritage with modern, eco-friendly energy solutions.