Graduation Date
Spring 2023
Document Type
Project
Program
Master of Science degree with a major in Environmental Systems, option Energy, Technology, and Policy
Committee Chair Name
Dr. Arne E Jacobson
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Peter Alstone
Second Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Kevin Fingerman
Third Committee Member Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Subject Categories
Environmental Resources Engineering
Abstract
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology, which captures energy from the sun, is a rapidly growing technology. Bhutan’s heavy dependence on a single energy source, hydropower, has become a significant concern for energy security. To address this, the Government of Bhutan intends to diversify energy sources using alternative renewable sources.
This research determined that Bhutan has the total potential to develop 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar power based on the utilization of about 7,100 acres of suitable land. The study also identified Tenchhekha, near the capital city of Thimphu, as a potential solar power plant location, with a capacity of 4.85 MWp that could be built on 17.49 acres of land. The estimated total project cost is Ngultrum (Nu.) 238 million ($3 million).
The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) of the Tenchhekha solar PV plant was estimated to be Nu. 3.63 per kWh ($0.05 per kWh). The project’s feasibility is contingent upon electricity tariff rates, as indicated by the IRR. The result shows that with an unsubsidized tariff rate of Nu.5.06 per kWh ($0.06 per kWh), the project’s IRR was 14.98 percent. However, the IRR decreased to 1.29 percent with the current generation electricity tariff of Nu. 1.6 per kWh ($0.02 per kWh), and 9.54 percent with the Mangdichhu hydropower plant generation tariff of Nu.3.64 per kWh ($0.05 per kWh). Therefore, to encourage the adoption of alternative renewables, particularly solar, policy initiatives are needed to establish tariff rates that incentivize development.
Furthermore, additional in-depth studies, including measurement of solar irradiance at the location, a site survey, and a detailed analysis of project implementation requirements, are recommended.
Citation Style
APA
Recommended Citation
Minjur, "Techno-economic Analysis of a Utility-scale Solar Power Plant in Bhutan." (2023). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 662.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/662