Local and international partners evaluating geothermal potential in Bhutan
Bumthang District, Bhutan (source: © Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons)
Carlo Cariaga
22 Oct 2024
Local company Druk Holding and Investments is working with experts from ESMAP and ISOR to evaluate the geothermal resource potential of Bhutan.
Local holding company Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) has collaborated with the World Bank’s Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) and Icelandic GeoSurvey (ISOR) to evaluate the country’s geothermal resources for potential exploitation.
DHI has currently identified about 10 hot spring sites for geothermal exploration, including notable locations Gasa Tshachu, Gelephu Tshachu, Koma Tshachu, Chubu Tshachu, Duenmang Tshachu, Dhur Tshachu (Bumthang), Gayza Tshachu (Gasa), Pasanglum Tshachu (Lhuntse), Yoenten Kuenjung Tshachu (Lhuntse), and Duemang Tshachu (Zhemgang).
Experts from ESMAP and ISOR had recently visited sites in Gasa and Gelephu Tsachu to do evaluations and collect samples, as well as conducted sessions with DHI and government officials to share their experience and offer training in some aspects of geothermal exploration.
According to DHI, analysis of the samples have already begun and early results indicate that there is potential for power generation at some sites, while others are better suited for heating. Further studies will still be needed to validate these results. Meanwhile, sample collection is ongoing at other hot spring sites in Bhutan.
A diverse renewable energy portfolio
“If the assessment reveals positive results, geothermal energy will complement hydropower, especially during periods of low river flow, and help reduce energy imports,” commented an official from DHI. Bhutan currently relies heavily on hydropower, and the solar energy sector is also growing. Efforts to explore for geothermal are part of a big to diversify Bhutan’s renewable energy portfolio.
The official added that other opportunities for geothermal energy utilization are being considered, including cooling and industrial applications like food drying and greenhouse heating. The value of geothermal sites for tourism is also under consideration.
Bhutan joins India in recent exploration efforts for geothermal in the South Asia region. In August 2024, government-owned coal mining company Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) commissioned a 20-kW geothermal pilot power plant in the Manuguru area in Telangana, India.
Source: Kuensel Online
