To expand the country’s renewable energy portfolio and strengthen national capacity in solar energy, the Centre for Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) has opened at the College of Science and Technology in Phuentshogling. STAR-C will serve as Bhutan’s hub for training, research, innovation and business support in solar energy. The centre was officially inaugurated by the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources and the President of the International Solar Alliance Assembly yesterday.
More than just a training centre, STAR-C will serve as the country’s top institution for building the skills, standards and encouraging innovation needed to achieve the country’s 5,000 megawatt solar energy goal.
“We have a target to achieve in our roadmap: 5,000 megawatts of solar energy by 2040. So, for that and beyond, and to have enough expertise, the centre is important,” said Gem Tshering, Energy and Natural Resources Minister.
“In the future, everything related to solar, like curriculum development and research related to solar, will be done under this centre. The STAR-C is very important as Bhutan works towards generating more solar energy. The centre will also give our students and teachers hands-on training,” said Cheki Dorji (PhD), President, CST, Phuentshogling.
According to the CST President, the centre has already conducted several batches of training, equipping participants with essential skills in solar energy deployment.
Bhutan’s journey with STAR-C began in 2022, when the International Solar Alliance named the country as one of its focus countries. Following that, in April 2024, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Royal University of Bhutan, and the International Solar Alliance signed a three-way agreement, paving the way for STAR-C’s establishment at CST.
The centre was set up at a cost of about Nu 10 M, with the International Solar Alliance providing Nu 8 M for lab equipment and CST contributing about Nu 2 M for the infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Bhutan, together with the International Solar Alliance and CST, plans to expand STAR-C into a testing and certification centre and an incubation hub for solar businesses. This will make sure solar products meet international quality standards, boost consumer confidence and create new opportunities for trade and collaboration in the region.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
