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The Yongtru Solar PV Project in Bhutan was initiated to diversify the country’s energy mix by introducing solar power in remote areas that face seasonal shortages due to hydroelectric dependency. The project’s objective was to enhance energy security, reduce reliance on imported diesel during dry months, and provide clean electricity to off-grid communities. It successfully demonstrated the feasibility of solar PV in Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and contributed to Bhutan’s broader sustainability and energy resilience goals.
Impact and Inference:
The project showcased how solar PV can complement hydro-based systems, especially in regions with seasonal variability. It also highlighted the role of decentralized renewable energy in improving rural electrification, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting Bhutan’s commitment to carbon neutrality. The model is replicable in other countries with similar geographic and energy access challenges.. Bhutan’s largest solar plant (22.38 MWp) diversifying beyond hydropower.
Read more: Bhutan’s Biggest Solar Project Yet: A Giant Leap Toward Energy Security
UNDP and Japan-backed grid-tied solar pilot for energy diversification. The 180 kW Wangdue Pilot Solar Project in Bhutan was developed to test the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology into the country’s predominantly hydro-based energy system. Located in Wangdue Phodrang, the pilot aimed to diversify Bhutan’s energy mix, enhance grid stability during dry seasons, and build technical capacity for solar deployment. The project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of solar PV in Bhutan’s terrain and climate, offering valuable insights for scaling up solar energy nationally.
Impact and Inference:
This pilot project marked a strategic shift toward energy diversification in Bhutan, showcasing how solar can complement hydroelectricity and improve seasonal reliability. It also served as a learning platform for grid integration, system design, and operational management of solar assets in mountainous regions. The initiative supports Bhutan’s long-term energy security and climate commitments.
The Mitigation Action Facility Solar Program in Bhutan was designed to support the country’s transition toward a diversified and low-carbon energy mix by introducing solar PV systems in areas vulnerable to seasonal hydroelectric shortfalls. The program’s objective was to enhance energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build institutional capacity for solar deployment. It leveraged international climate finance and technical cooperation to pilot scalable solar solutions aligned with Bhutan’s carbon neutrality goals.
The project introduces a Green Financing Framework to mobilize capital for private Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), leveraging EUR 4 million in concessional loans and EUR 7 million in co-funding from public and private sources. It combines policy reforms, buy-back guarantees, and credit lines to attract private investment and improve tariff structures. Technical assistance supports regulatory strengthening and capacity building, ensuring long-term sustainability and investment confidence.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how targeted climate finance can accelerate renewable energy adoption in countries with limited fiscal space. It provided a framework for integrating solar into national energy planning, improving resilience, and reducing dependency on fossil fuel imports. The program also emphasized the importance of policy alignment, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement in scaling solar infrastructure.
Read more: Bhutan – Solar Power - Mitigation Action Facility
ADB-backed 3kW rooftop solar for 514 households with livelihood support, The Alternative Renewable Energy Pilot in Bhutan was launched to explore non-hydro renewable energy sources—primarily solar and wind—to diversify the country’s energy portfolio. The objective was to reduce seasonal dependency on hydropower, enhance energy security, and build technical capacity for integrating alternative renewables. The pilot involved feasibility studies, small-scale installations, and institutional strengthening, laying the groundwork for future renewable energy expansion beyond hydroelectricity.
Impact and Inference:
This pilot marked a strategic shift in Bhutan’s energy planning, recognizing the need for diversification amid climate variability. It demonstrated the viability of solar and wind in Bhutan’s unique geography and provided a replicable framework for other countries seeking to transition from single-source energy dependence to a more resilient, mixed renewable portfolio.
Read more: ACEF-Bhutan-Case-Study.pdf
Bhutan’s commitment to sustainability and its hydro-dominated energy mix make solar a strategic complement, especially for remote and winter-affected regions. A value chain assessment can help Bhutan diversify its energy sources, identify local capacity-building opportunities, and align solar development with its Gross National Happiness-driven policy framework.
The Solar Value Chain Assessment in Bangladesh, conducted by LightCastle Partners, aimed to map the entire solar energy ecosystem—from manufacturing and distribution to financing and end-user adoption. The objective was to identify bottlenecks, assess market dynamics, and recommend interventions to strengthen the solar sector. The study revealed critical gaps in local manufacturing, financing accessibility, and policy alignment, while also highlighting opportunities for private sector engagement and innovation.
Impact and Inference:
This assessment provided actionable insights for policymakers and investors to build a more resilient and inclusive solar market. It emphasized the importance of ecosystem-level thinking, where supply chain efficiency, stakeholder coordination, and targeted incentives can accelerate renewable energy adoption. The model is especially valuable for emerging economies seeking to scale solar deployment sustainably.
Read more: Case Study: Solar Value Chain Assessment - LightCastle Partners
Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and scattered settlements make grid extension challenging. Solar mini-grids can complement its hydro-based energy system by providing reliable electricity to remote villages, especially during dry seasons when hydro output dips
The GDS International Mini-Grids initiative in Benin focuses on deploying solar-powered mini-grids to electrify remote communities that are beyond the reach of national grids. The objective is to provide reliable, clean electricity for households, schools, health centers, and small businesses, thereby fostering inclusive development. By combining technical innovation with community engagement and private sector investment, the initiative has successfully improved energy access, reduced reliance on diesel, and stimulated local economies.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative illustrates how decentralized energy infrastructure can bridge the rural electrification gap in a cost-effective and sustainable manner. It highlights the importance of tailored energy solutions that match local demand profiles, and the role of mini-grids in enabling productive use of electricity, improving public services, and supporting climate goals. 3 MW decentralized solar mini-grids with productive use focus.
Read more: Innovative Rural Electrification Microgrid (Benin)
Bhutan’s hydro-dominated energy system faces seasonal variability, especially in winter. A utility-scale solar plant like Boundiali can complement hydro generation, improve grid stability, and support Bhutan’s carbon-neutral development strategy.
The Boundiali Solar Plant, supported by KfW and the European Union, is one of Côte d'Ivoire’s first large-scale grid-connected solar power projects. With a capacity of 37.5 MW, the plant was developed to diversify the country’s energy mix, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve electricity supply in northern regions. The project combined concessional financing with technical assistance, showcasing how international cooperation can accelerate clean energy infrastructure in West Africa.
Impact and Inference:
The Boundiali Solar Plant demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of utility-scale solar in a region traditionally reliant on thermal and hydroelectric sources. It contributed to national energy security, supported climate goals, and laid the foundation for future renewable investments. The project also highlighted the importance of regional equity in energy access and the role of donor-backed initiatives in de-risking solar investments.
Read more: The first solar power plant in Côte d'Ivoire supplies electricity for 35,000 households
Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and seasonal hydro variability make decentralized solar systems a strategic complement to its energy mix. Rural electrification projects can improve resilience, support remote communities, and align with Bhutan’s carbon-neutral development vision.
The Rural Electrification Support Project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was implemented in Fiji to expand access to reliable electricity in remote and underserved communities. The project’s objective was to deploy decentralized renewable energy systems—primarily solar PV and mini-grids—to improve living standards, support education and healthcare, and reduce reliance on diesel. It emphasized community ownership, capacity building, and gender-inclusive development, making it a model for sustainable rural electrification.
The total project cost is estimated at USD 3.4 million, financed primarily through a USD 3 million grant from ADB’s Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, with an additional USD 0.4 million contribution from the Government of Fiji. The grant modality was chosen over lending to reduce fiscal burden and accelerate implementation in underserved regions. The financing structure integrates technical assistance for O&M planning and gender-inclusive capacity development, aligning with Fiji’s national target of 100% renewable energy-based rural electrification by 2036.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how targeted investments in renewable energy can transform rural economies and improve social outcomes. It highlighted the importance of inclusive planning, local engagement, and technical support in ensuring long-term sustainability. The project serves as a replicable framework for countries seeking to close rural energy gaps while advancing climate goals.
Read more: 57056-001: Rural Electrification Support Project | Asian Development Bank
Bhutan’s mountainous terrain and scattered settlements make grid extension costly and slow. Solar microgrids can complement its hydro-based system, especially in winter months and remote villages, enhancing energy reliability and supporting its carbon-neutral development goals.
Community-based solar microgrids with battery storage. The Solar Microgrids in Mountainous Regions initiative in Nepal was developed to provide reliable electricity to remote, high-altitude communities where grid extension is technically and economically challenging. The objective was to deploy decentralized solar microgrids tailored to rugged terrain, enabling access to lighting, communication, and basic services. These systems were community-managed and designed to withstand harsh weather, improving energy equity and supporting local development.
Impact and Inference:
This initiative demonstrated how solar microgrids can overcome geographic barriers to electrification. It improved quality of life, supported education and healthcare, and reduced reliance on biomass and kerosene. The model is particularly effective in regions with dispersed populations and limited infrastructure, offering a scalable solution for inclusive energy access.
Read more: Business Models Key to Successful Microgrids in Nepal | HOMER Microgrid News
Bhutan’s mountainous terrain limits flat land availability for solar farms. Floating solar on reservoirs like Chhukha and Tala hydro dams can complement hydro generation during dry seasons and support Bhutan’s energy export ambitions.
The Sungrow Solar Farm in Huainan, China is a pioneering 40 MW floating solar power plant built on a former coal mine lake. Featuring 166,000 solar panels, it was once the world’s largest floating solar array. The project not only generates clean energy for around 15,000 homes, but also symbolizes China’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables by repurposing degraded industrial land.
Read more: World’s Largest Floating Solar Station Floats Over Flooded Coal Pit in China
