Bhutan is using hydroelectric power to mine green cryptocurrency, aiming to boost its economy and create jobs.
The Himalayas have quietly accumulated a critical cryptocurrency portfolio, including more than $600 million in Bitcoin.
The Bhutan government is actively supporting and investing in green cryptomining and digital infrastructure.
A peaceful Himalayan kingdom known for cherishing happiness over wealth, Bhutan quietly delves into an incredible new role: cryptography innovators. Taking advantage of the abundant supply of clean hydropower, the country mines green cryptocurrency and explores how blockchain can shape the economy of the future.
What’s even more unexpected? Bhutan is making millions from its digital assets while already remaining under the radar. As global powers debate the future of code, this small country may already be a few steps ahead.
Let’s dive into the details.
Cryptocurrency profits in Bhutan are the way you raise your salary
Green cryptocurrencies are digital currencies mined using clean energy such as wind, hydro and solar power, rather than fossil fuels. Bhutan quietly earned millions by investing in the best cryptocurrencies. According to a senior Thimphu official, the profits were large enough to cover the government’s salary for two years.
Bhutan’s Crypto Journey began in 2019 when sovereign wealth fund Druk Holding and Investments (DHI) began including digital assets in its portfolio. DHI CEO Ujjwal Deep Dahal explained that Bhutan’s 100% hydropower-based power will make crypto mining operations clean, green and sustainable.
Powering the blockchain with clean energy
Bhutan uses renewable hydropower to run the powerful computers needed to mine digital currency. Authorities are also exploring the idea of providing Bhutan’s “green” coins to large companies seeking to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. CEO Dahal added that Bitcoin helped bring in foreign currency, increasing the value of Bhutan’s hydropower. He also believes that training young Bhutanese people with blockchain and AI will open up more employment opportunities in the future.
With a population of about 800,000, Bhutan faces challenges as more than 10% of its younger-educated citizens have left the country for better opportunities abroad. This brain drainage is inspiring the government to find new ways to create jobs and maintain talent at home.
Green Crypto Future Hydroelectric Power Generation
To become a global leader in green digital currency, Bhutan aims to expand its hydroelectric capacity. The country currently produces 3.5 gigawatts of electricity, but it requires around 33 gigawatts to reach its long-term goals. It plans to generate 15 gigawatts over the next 10-15 years to support its push towards a sustainable crypto economy.
The Prime Minister supports Bitcoin mining strategy
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has recently described state-backed Bitcoin mining as a sensible strategy, saying people all over the world have earned billions from it. He emphasized that the government should take codes seriously and recognize the possibility of driving economic growth.
As of April 9th, Bhutan’s Bitcoin holdings are valued at over $600 million, according to Arkham data. This is about 30% of the country’s total GDP. Bhutan also holds other cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Linkai. The king of the country, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, was a strong advocate for investing in digital infrastructure to support future developments.
Bhutan leads
Unlike many governments that earn Bitcoin by seizing it from criminals, Bhutan’s holdings come from state-sponsored mining. Now more governments are warming up to Bitcoin. US President Donald Trump recently announced plans for a strategic Bitcoin Reserve, but El Salvador owns nearly $550 million in Bitcoin. Countries like the Central African Republic and France also recognize Bitcoin as fiat currency, indicating a change in how countries view digital assets.
