A recent assessment of Bhutan’s renewable energy prospects has found that Gasa, Tsirang, and Sarpang dzongkhags have limited potential for large-scale solar power development, owing to a combination of climatic, topographic, and environmental challenges.
According to the findings, Tsirang and Sarpang, located in the subtropical belt of southern Bhutan, face prolonged monsoon seasons, heavy rainfall, and persistent cloud cover, reducing annual sunshine hours needed for reliable solar generation. Meanwhile, Gasa, in the high Himalayas, is constrained by extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and frequent cloud cover, making solar installations both technically difficult and costly to maintain.
The rugged terrain of all three dzongkhags further complicates solar deployment. In Tsirang and Sarpang, much of the land is under forest or agriculture, leaving little scope for open, stable sites. Gasa, with its high-altitude mountains and scattered settlements, offers very limited flat land suitable for solar farms.
“Geography and climate make a huge difference when it comes to solar,” an energy analyst explained. “While some regions have clear skies and open land, places like Tsirang, Sarpang, and Gasa simply don’t get the reliable sunshine or flat terrain required for utility-scale solar projects.”
Experts note that Bhutan’s hydropower dominance also plays a role. “Investments in solar have so far been directed to areas with higher irradiation and more stable conditions, such as central valleys,” the assessment highlighted. In addition, environmental restrictions in protected areas, particularly in Gasa, and the prioritization of fertile farmland in Sarpang and Tsirang, further limit opportunities.
Despite these challenges, analysts say there is still scope for small-scale solar solutions. “Rooftop systems, solar water pumps, and community-based off-grid projects can make a real difference, especially in remote areas,” said one official involved in the study.
In contrast, dzongkhags such as Wangdue Phodrang and Thimphu are emerging as better suited for solar projects. Wangdue’s Sephu area is now home to Bhutan’s first utility-scale solar farm (≈17–22 MW), while Dechencholing in Thimphu has successfully piloted rooftop and ground-mounted systems.
The report underscores that while Gasa, Tsirang, and Sarpang are less favourable for grid-connected solar farms, localized projects could still contribute to Bhutan’s renewable energy diversification.
Launched in September this year, the National Solar Energy Roadmap (NSER) 2025–2040 sets ambitious goals, envisioning 1,000 MW of solar energy by 2029, 2,500 MW by 2035, and 5,000 MW by 2040.
“The roadmap shows that solar energy has a future in Bhutan, but we need to be strategic about where and how we invest,” said a renewable energy official. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution—different dzongkhags will require different approaches.”
It details strategies for expanding solar deployment, improving policy readiness, building capacity through training, and mobilizing financing for public and private investments. The roadmap identifies potential solar sites and proposes approaches for utility-scale solar, rooftop solar, Agri-PV, and solar thermal technologies.
Tashi Namgyal
From Thimphu
