The residential energy futures of Bhutan

Zam, Kinley; Gupta, Mukesh Kumar; Uddin, Sayed Mohammad Nazim

It is expected that with the increase in population and modernization of any country, energy consumption would increase. Bhutan is a carbon-negative country and committed to remaining carbon-neutral. Thus, identifying energy-saving potential will increase energy efficiency and contribute to continue fulfilling this pledge for years to come. This study aims to find the energy-saving potential of Bhutan by analyzing future energy demand from the residential building sector using a scenario-based modeling tool called Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning (LEAP). The research was an integration of primary and secondary data calculations. Final energy-savings from Bhutan in 2040 by attaining the efficient scenario is estimated at 830 GWh. Overall, the result suggests that 53% final energy-savings can be achieved in 2040 from all end-uses and energy sources compared to the reference scenario. Cumulatively, 19 TWh final energy-savings can be achieved in the study period (2018–2040) from the efficient scenario while all basic energy needs are fully met in 2040. This result obtained would provide a reference for Bhutan’s future energy planning and guidelines for policy-making. It would also provide policy recommendations about the scope of shifting to energy-efficient end-uses.