5 A Hydropower Framework for Building State Assets

Lifelong Learning With A. A. Khatana · Sep 25, 2026 · 14m

For decades, Bhutan's mountainous geography restricted its trade and traditional industry, leaving it dependent on seasonal hydropower. While summer rivers generated massive energy surpluses, winter freezes forced the kingdom to buy power back at higher rates. This seasonal energy trap led to an unexpected solution: using excess electricity to mine Bitcoin.Bhutan sits between India and China, but terrain and sealed borders severely limit physical commerce. Hydropower provided an initial economic boost, lifting per capita income significantly, yet storing summer surplus electricity was…