Bhutan wind power storage

Wind Energy Bhutan has substantial capacity for leveraging wind power systems. The restricted theoretical development potential for wind power in the country is estimated to be approximately 761 MW, with Wangdue Phodrang exhibiting the highest potential at 141.7 MW, followed by Chhukha at 91.8 MW (DRE, 2015).

Solar Energy According to the Renewable Energy Resource Assessment 2015, Bhutan has a theoretical potential of 3,706,328 MW for solar photovoltaic power generation based on solar irradiance.

The country primarily relies on hydropower and biomass, which together form the majority of its energy supply mix. Hydropower stands as the dominant source, but Bhutan also holds untapped potential in other alternative renewable resources. These include solar energy, wind energy, and energy derived from municipal solid waste.

1.3 Bhutan is endowed with huge hydropower potential together with solar, wind and biomass resources. The techno-economically viable hydropower potential is 33,000 MW from 90 sites as per the Power System Master Plan 2040 (PSMP), where these sites are mostly located outside of the ecological parks and the biological corridors.

Despite availability of diverse source of clean energy resources in excess of national demand, both in terms of potential and installed capacity, Bhutan has not been able to secure its energy requirement, especially in lean season. Bhutan imports power every winter months, when the demand is at peak and generation is at lowest point.

Examining from energy security perspective, Bhutan's energy policies seem to be driven by natural resource endowments, rather than national strategy. Hydropower is accorded with highest national priority due to availability of huge hydropower potential favored by rugged geographical terrain, and considering that the resource is clean.