Bhutan, the serene Himalayan kingdom known for measuring Gross National Happiness instead of GDP, is making headlines with a forward-thinking move: embracing green cryptocurrency to power its economy and create jobs. The country is tapping into its abundant hydropower resources to mine eco-friendly digital currencies — and it could be a gamechanger.
Ujjwal Deep Dahal, CEO of Bhutan’s sovereign wealth fund, Druk Holding and Investments Ltd. (DHI), revealed that Bhutan is using 100% renewable hydropower to mine cryptocurrency. “Every coin mined here is one less coin mined using fossil fuels,” Dahal said. “That means every digital asset we create contributes to a cleaner global economy.”
The strategy isn’t just about technology — it’s about survival and growth. Bhutan, nestled between India and China, began investing in popular cryptocurrencies as early as 2019. The returns have been impressive enough to fund government salaries for two years, according to senior officials in Thimphu, the nation’s capital.
Cryptocurrency mining typically demands massive amounts of electricity. But Bhutan’s green advantage lies in its rivers — the same ones that power homes now run the supercomputers used to mint coins. By harnessing this natural resource, the country is building an environmentally responsible digital economy that aligns with its sustainability goals.
Dahal says the benefits extend beyond finance. The initiative is also an opportunity to stem the tide of brain drain. With youth unemployment at 16.5% and more than 10% of young people migrating abroad between 2022 and 2023, the government is turning to blockchain and artificial intelligence to train its next generation of digital workers.
The plan? Transform Bhutan into a hub for green digital assets — a move that could attract ethical investors and large corporations striving to meet their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. Already, officials are in talks with international firms interested in purchasing Bhutan’s “clean coins” as a greener alternative to traditionally mined cryptocurrency.
The country currently generates around 3.5 gigawatts of hydropower. But its long-term vision is far more ambitious: expanding capacity to 15 gigawatts in the next 10–15 years, with a potential peak of 33 gigawatts.
Bhutan’s decision is more than just a financial play — it’s a philosophical one. With a strong commitment to sustainability, happiness, and innovation, the country is betting on green cryptocurrency not only to build wealth but also to shape a new kind of digital future.
Whether it becomes the world’s green crypto capital remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — Bhutan is turning its natural blessings into a bold, digital frontier.
