If everything goes as planned, Druk Green Power Corporation will start a Solar Photovoltaic Project at Wobthang in Tang Gewog of Bumthang. The corporation is currently finalising the feasibility study. According to the DGPC, the Solar Photovoltaic Project will help diversify the country’s energy sources, supplementing the energy supply when hydropower generation drops in winter.
DGPC has been conducting a feasibility study on a site in Wobthang spanning over 300 acres.
The feasibility report is being finalised in consultation with the Asian Development Bank, ADB. With the technical support of ADB, the corporation will determine the size, design and, technical and commercial viability of the plant.
According to the DGPC, the project is estimated to generate almost 177 Gigawatt hour of energy annually. The project is expected to cost more than Nu 6bn.
The corporation said that they are in discussion with the ADB and other private investors for financial support.
Once they get the financial support and approval from the Department of Energy and Electricity Regulatory Authority, the project is expected to take about one and a half years to implement and commission.
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources designated DGPC as the key agency to spearhead utility-scale solar PV projects in the country last year.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sangay Chezom