Lunana - A Beacon of Hope to Action 100% Electrification

In the serene embrace of the Himalayas lies Bhutan, a nation distinguished not only by its breathtaking landscapes but also by its unwavering commitment to sustainability. Bhutan was the first nation to pledge carbon neutrality at COP15 in 2009. It has an inclusive climate plan and the country is committed to blending conservation values with progressive digitalization. With a staggering electrification rate of 99.97%, Bhutan is close to powering the whole country with renewable energy, mainly from hydropower.

As impressive as Bhutan’s progress towards sustainability is, some work remains to be done. Lunana, a collection of remote mountain villages perched in the Jigme Dorji National Park, is home to a community that still experiences the absence of electricity. The vulnerability of this tranquil oasis to climate change came into stark focus with the recent minor Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) on October 30, 2023. This event, which released stored energy from one of the glacial lakes on Bhutan's watch list, very nearly avoided disaster and emphasized the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Lunana is so remote that it cannot be connected to the grid. Most homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals in the village are powered by firewood, kerosene, or diesel generators, and residents must transport propane on multi-day treks from nearby towns. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, with its reliability and low environmental impact, is a viable option that will bring much-needed energy to this community and strengthen Lunana's resilience against future climate-related challenges. Bringing electricity to this region would mean that Bhutan’s electrification plan would be 100% complete.

Solar Power: A Beacon of Hope for Lunana

Weather patterns in Lunana present unique challenges. Cloudy, overcast skies dominate the summer months, yet the village boasts one of the highest solar irradiance potentials in Bhutan. While summer lasts for the standard three months, a shorter growing season, dictated by elevation and climate, restricts agricultural activities. Despite these challenges, it’s worth noting that Lunana's northernmost region receives an average daily Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) of 5.37 kWh/m2/day, making it ideal for solar PV technology.

?

A Holistic and Collaborative Approach

The World Bank estimates the economic growth for Bhutan at 4 % in 2023-24. It is one of the smallest economies among the eight South Asian countries, but it is also one of the most resilient. The initiative to electrify Lunana isn't merely about installing solar panels; the country aspires to grow sustainably, still maintaining carbon neutrality, and prioritizes the wellbeing of its citizens and conservation of the environment as indicated in Bhutan’s development approach of Gross National Happiness. It's a comprehensive effort that intertwines energy access with capacity building, social enterprise development, and healthcare and education enhancements.

Given that climate change and its profound effects highlight a global issue that necessitates a collaborative approach, philanthropies, private sector, and the government of Bhutan must work in partnership with local communities to bring renewable energy to Lunana. We can start by lending our support to Bhutan’s commitment to 100% electrification by spreading awareness of Lunana’s challenges, but also of Bhutan’s determination to partner with willing parties that share a similar vision of a sustainable future.

For more details about Bhutan’s climate journey, come visit the Bhutan Pavilion at COP28 (Pavilion Number OA14G1 at Expo City Dubai)?bhutancoppavilion.com.

·?????? Bhutan’s Second Nationally Determined Contribution: https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/migration/bt/Bhutan-2nd-NDC_Final.pdf

·?????? National Adaptation Plan (NAP) of the Kingdom of Bhutan: https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/resource/NAP-Bhutan-2023.pdf