In his opening remarks, His Excellency Philip Green OAM, the Australian Ambassador to Bhutan highlighted the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project as a strategic achievement for Bhutan and the wider South Asia region. He noted that the project reflects Bhutan’s ambition, strong regional cooperation, and a shared commitment to a clean and resilient energy future. With a planned capacity of 1,125 MW, the project is expected to significantly increase Bhutan’s energy generation, reduce seasonal energy imports, and enable the export of surplus clean energy, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

A key highlight of the session was the alumni reflections, shared by Nanda Kumari (BPC) and Jamyang Tempa (MoENR). They shared insights into their professional journeys and the influence of SARIC’s training and networking initiatives on their work. Their reflections highlighted how these experiences have enhanced technical expertise, strengthened leadership and coordination capacities, and expanded professional networks across the region, enabling them to take on more strategic roles and contribute to national priorities in sustainable energy and infrastructure. They also illustrated the practical application of SARIC learnings in areas such as hydropower development, energy efficiency, and emerging sectors including green hydrogen, underscoring the importance of continued investment in human capital and institutional capacity.