Bhutan is currently an impressive leader in the field of low-carbon electricity generation. A remarkable 93% of Bhutan's electricity in 2023 comes from hydropower, a clean source, highlighting its commitment to sustainable energy. The remainder of Bhutan's electricity is drawn from net imports, making up about 7%, likely from fossil sources. Bhutan's reliance on hydropower allows it to enjoy low-carbon electricity predominately, but it faces new challenges. As Bhutan looks to electrify sectors such as transportation, heating, and industry, significantly more electricity will be required. This adaptation presents a pivotal opportunity for Bhutan to expand its low-carbon electricity generation even further.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Bhutan?
Electricity consumption in Bhutan is on a growth trajectory, evidenced by the latest figures. In 2023, per capita electricity consumption reached 15,248 kWh, surpassing the previous record of 15,024 kWh set in 2021. This represents a positive change of 224 kWh per person, indicating a small yet important rise in demand. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation has also increased, with 2023 figures showing 14,193 kWh per person, up from 13,954 kWh in 2021—a change of 239 kWh per person. This upward trend in both overall electricity use and cleaner electricity generation is promising for Bhutan's ambitious electrification goals.
Suggestions
To accelerate an increase in low-carbon electricity generation, Bhutan can explore the integration of nuclear and solar energy alongside its existing hydropower infrastructure. These clean energy sources can provide reliable and scalable electricity to meet rising demands, despite hydropower's existing stronghold. Investing in nuclear power plants would provide consistent electricity with minimal environmental impact, while expanding solar panels could complement Bhutan's hydropower during dry seasons. By diversifying its low-carbon energy sources, Bhutan can secure a stable electricity supply for the future while continuing to lead in sustainable energy production.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Bhutan has been marked primarily by significant developments in hydropower. In the mid-1990s to the 2000s, Bhutan steadily expanded its hydroelectric capacity with increments of 0.2 to 0.3 TWh annually, marking early progress. The years 2006 and 2007 saw remarkable growth, with hydroelectric generation increasing by nearly 4 TWh over the two years, establishing a strong foundation for the country's energy profile. However, there were some setbacks between 2011 and 2018, with occasional declines, including a notable 0.8 TWh decrease in 2018. Bhutan rebounded with substantial boosts of 2.1 TWh in 2019 and 1.8 TWh in 2021. As of 2023, with a further increase of 0.4 TWh, Bhutan continues to leverage its rich hydropower resources while looking ahead to diversify into other low-carbon energy sources.
