What is the energy demand in Bhutan?

Bhutan is a small developing country, and tremendous changes have been seen in the energy demand in the last few decades. The residential sector accounts for 33% of the total energy consumption of 650,220 tons of oil equivalent (IRENA, 2019 ). Energy sources used for lighting, cooking, heating, and appliances have changed over the years.

What kind of energy is used in Bhutan?

For space heating and water heating, electricity and wood fuel are used. Appliances that are considered are fans, television, and refrigerator. The results obtained from the study would provide a reference for Bhutan’s future energy planning and guidelines for policy-making. It would also provide suggestions for energy conservation.

How has energy usage changed in Bhutan?

Over the last 5–10 years, the energy usage pattern has changed drastically, switching to more modern fuels like electricity and LPG from traditional fuels like biomass (Lhendup et al., 2010 ). In 1967, with Bhutan’s first hydroelectric plant of 360 kW installed, only Thimphu, the capital, received a power supply (Tshering and Tamang, 2004 ).

When did Bhutan start using hydroelectric power?

In 1967, with Bhutan’s first hydroelectric plant of 360 kW installed, only Thimphu, the capital, received a power supply (Tshering and Tamang, 2004 ). By 2017, almost 100% of households in the country use hydro-electricity for lighting replacing wood, kerosene lamps, and others (NSB, 2017 ).