Project Description
The proposed project involves deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Bhutan as a reliable, zero-carbon baseload energy source.
Project description
Key Characteristics of SMRs:
Capacity range:
50 MW – 300 MW per module
Factory-fabricated modular design
Enhanced passive safety systems
Reduced construction timelines compared to conventional large nuclear plants
Smaller land footprint
Potential technology pathways may include:
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)-based SMRs (e.g., designs similar to NuScale Power technology)
Advanced reactor systems under development by Rolls-Royce SMR
North American or European Generation III+ certified designs
Deployment Model:
Phase 1: Regulatory readiness, site selection, grid integration study
Phase 2: 50 - 300 MW initial SMR module cluster
Phase 3: Scale-up depending on regional demand
The SMR would:
Provide firm, dispatchable power
Stabilize winter supply deficits (hydro seasonality)
Support green hydrogen, data centers, and industrial loads
Why this Matters Now
Energy Security & Climate Stability
Bhutan’s energy system is heavily dependent on hydropower, which is vulnerable to:
Seasonal variability
Glacier-fed river flow uncertainty
Climate change impacts
SMRs offer:
90%+ capacity factor
Zero operational carbon emissions
Long-term fuel security (3–7 year fuel cycles)
Regional Market Opportunity
South Asia’s electricity demand is rapidly increasing. India’s decarbonization targets and growing demand for firm clean power create export potential.
Global Nuclear Renaissance
Over 30 countries are actively evaluating SMRs as part of their energy transition strategies. Early movers secure:
Strategic partnerships
Preferential technology access
Financing alignment
Why Bhutan and Why InnoTech
Strong track record in large-scale infrastructure (hydropower exports to India)
Political stability and sovereign credibility
Carbon-negative country with strong environmental governance
Small grid size ideal for modular nuclear deployment
High elevation climate suitable for efficient thermal management
Cross-border PPAs
Grid integration
Mega-project coordination
Innotech is positioned to:
Act as a technical integrator and innovation anchor
Coordinate international technology providers
Structure blended finance frameworks
Lead feasibility, engineering interface, and stakeholder coordination
Innotech’s role strengthens:
Risk management
Investor confidence
International collaboration alignment
Investment Required/Project Cost:
Capital Cost Estimates (Global Benchmarks)
SMRs typically range between:
USD 4,000 – 8,000 per kW
For a 300 MW plant:
→ Approx. USD 1.2 – 2.4 billion
The proposed geothermal program is a multi-phase initiative led by Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) to unlock Bhutan’s geothermal potential across multiple Dzongkhags such as Gasa, Punakha, and Gelephu:
Electricity Generation – Deploy small-scale electricity generation providing baseload renewable power to the grid.
A mini ‘Fab Lab’ platform that equips Bhutanese schools with digital fabrication tools, teacher training, and ongoing technical support to drive hands-on STEAM learning and student-led innovation.
Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) was established with a mandate to enhance the performance and value of its portfolio companies and safeguard national wealth for all generations of Bhutanese through prudent investments. Over the past decade, DHI has built a diversified group of companies operating across key sectors — energy, telecommunications, finance, manufacturing, technology, and services.
