Strengthening ADB’s Support to Bhutan’s Energy Sector
On 11 June 2026, Mr L. Satya Srinivas, Executive Director, Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank visited the 180 MW Bunakha hydropower project site. He was accompanied by Ms Sonomi Tanaka, Country Director and Mr Shokhimardon Musaev, Country Operational Head from ADB’s Bhutan Resident Mission. At the project site, the ADB delegation was briefed on the status of the preparation of the Detailed Project Report for the project and the significance of the project to Bhutan’s energy security and economic growth. It was highlighted that the Bunakha HPP would be developed with full consideration of all environmental and social safeguards and would adhere to the highest standards of environmental protection, community welfare, and social responsibility. The delegation was briefed on the public’s eagerness and support for the project.
Mr Satya Srinivas also visited the dam and power house of the Chhukha hydropower plant. He also witnessed the solar installations on the rooftops of the residential and office buildings of the Chhukha hydropower plant under the ADB-supported Distributed Solar for Public Infrastructure Project (Phase I).
On 12 June 2025, Mr. Satya Srinivas and the ADB Country Director met with officials of the Department of Energy, DGPC and BPC to review the ongoing collaboration and support being provided by ADB in the energy sector; especially in the implementation of the hydropower and solar projects. The fast-tracking of the ADB-supported 180 MW Bunakha and the 404 MW Nyera Amari I&II hydropower projects and the solar projects such as the 120 MWp Wobthang was discussed. The need to strengthen the transmission grid connectivity for evacuation of power was also emphasized. Mr Satya Srinivas conveyed the full support of ADB in realizing Bhutan’s ambitious plans to develop its renewable energy resources, including support to develop the required institutions and human resources. The Bhutanese side thanked the Executive Director for the unstinting support that ADB was providing to Bhutan. Both sides agreed to work closely together to ensure the successful implementation of the ADB supported energy sector programs and projects.
