Detailed feasibility study (DFS) framework for renewable energy irrigation systems in Bhutan

Organisers: Department of Energy, Royal Government of Bhutan; ICIMOD; Bhutan Ecological Society; International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada

Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

About the event

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DoE), Royal Government of Bhutan, is organising a one-day specialised Training of Trainers (ToT) for staff from sectors involved in agriculture and irrigation activities in Bhutan, enhancing their capacity to conduct in-depth feasibility studies on renewable energy irrigation systems.

Objectives

The primary objective of this ToT is to build the capacity of selected professionals to effectively understand, apply, and disseminate the Detailed feasibility study (DFS) framework for renewable energy irrigation systems in Bhutan.

Expected outcomes

By the end of the training, participants are expected to:

• Develop a clear understanding of the structure, components, and methodology of the DFS framework.
• Gain practical knowledge on conducting comprehensive feasibility assessments for renewable energy irrigation systems (solar photovoltaic (PV), a technology that uses solar cells made from semiconductor materials to capture sunlight and generate electric current, mini-hydro, hybrid, and wind-solar systems).
• Strengthen their ability to evaluate technical, financial, environmental, and social aspects of irrigation projects.
• Build skills to apply standardised tools, templates, and approaches to ensure consistency and reliability in feasibility studies.
• Enhance their capability to train others (cascade training approach) and support wider adoption of the framework across institutions.

Background

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Bhutan, employing about 40% of the population, with women constituting more than half of the agricultural workforce. However, its share of gross domestic product (GDP) has been declining, facing climatic, environmental and socio-economic challenges that put national food security at risk.

Currently, only 20% of Bhutan’s cultivable land is irrigated. Most traditional irrigation systems are gravity-fed open channels that operate seasonally and are particularly vulnerable to climate change. The country’s mountainous terrain often requires lifting water from lower elevations, which presents logistical challenges but also gives opportunities for innovation. Bhutan’s abundant rivers offer significant potential for renewable energy-powered irrigation solutions, particularly decentralised solar-powered lift-irrigation systems.

However, the adoption of these modern systems has been limited by a lack of skilled personnel, and women in particular, who remain under-represented in technical positions. The gender gap limits efficiency, sustainability and equitable participation in the irrigation sector.

To address these challenges, ICIMOD, in collaboration with the Department of Energy, is implementing the Women’s Empowerment through Renewable Energy-Powered Lift Irrigation Systems in Bhutan (WERELIS – Bhutan) project. This project is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, while the Bhutan Ecological Society (BES) serves as the field implementing partner. The WERELIS project provides decision-makers with tools to deploy these systems at scale, build technical capacity to integrate gender considerations into the approach, and develop a potential business model for broader adoption of the technology.

To address inconsistencies and gaps in existing assessment practices, under the WERELIS project, a Detailed feasibility study (DFS) framework for renewable energy irrigation systems has been developed. This framework provides a structured and standardised approach to evaluating irrigation projects across multiple renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaics, mini-hydro and hybrid systems configurations.

The framework integrates technical design considerations, water resource assessment, financial viability, environmental and social safeguards, and risk analysis into a unified methodology. Its application is expected to improve decision-making, enhance project bankability, and ensure long-term sustainability of investments.

With the framework now finalised, there is a critical need to build both institutional and individual capacity for its effective application. This ToT is intended as an initial step to equip key stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the framework and prepare them to serve as trainers and practitioners for its broader implementation in Bhutan.