The governments of India and Bhutan in Thimphu jointly hosted a key session on renewable energy financing that took place at the Bhutan-India Renewable Energy Roundtable.
This roundtable brought together leaders from both countries to discuss sustainable financing options for renewable energy projects.
Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), representing India emphasized the need for competitive debt financing rather than only depend on grants.
He highlighted IREDA’s willingness to support Bhutan’s renewable energy growth through affordable, long-term loan options.
According to Das, with Bhutan’s strong hydroelectric capabilities, IREDA’s experience can significantly support Bhutan’s clean energy goals,
He also proposed rooftop solar as a potential area for development, which could complement Bhutan’s hydropower.
He underlined that renewable energy projects need convenient financing at competitive interest rates and maximum long-term loan tenures that could support Bhutan’s journey toward a cleaner energy future with IREDA’s assistance.
Additionally, S.K. Dey, General Manager of IREDA, spoke on the “Role of Solar Energy in Energy Mix” and advocated for blended financing solutions for solar projects, combining equity, loans, and grants to boost project credibility.
This approach would encourage greater investment in Bhutan’s solar sector, contributing to the broader renewable energy goals shared by both nations.
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