Bhutan’s Green Cryptocurrency Initiative

• Blockchain Council
• April 27, 2025

Bhutan is using 100% clean hydropower to mine cryptocurrencies — making it one of the greenest crypto economies in the world. This initiative isn’t just about mining Bitcoin. It’s a strategic move to grow Bhutan’s economy, create tech jobs, and keep young talent from leaving the country. While most nations are debating the environmental cost of crypto, Bhutan is turning renewable energy into long-term digital wealth. This article breaks down how Bhutan’s green crypto strategy works, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of digital finance.

What Is Bhutan’s Green Crypto Initiative?

Bhutan’s green crypto initiative is all about mining cryptocurrencies using 100% renewable hydropower. The country began this journey quietly in 2019 through its sovereign wealth fund, Druk Holding and Investments (DHI). Using energy generated from rivers, they power high-performance computers that validate blockchain transactions.

Unlike typical mining setups that burn fossil fuels, Bhutan’s method keeps the environment clean while creating new sources of income.

Why Is Bhutan Investing in Cryptocurrency?

Bhutan has several goals with this initiative:

• Diversify the economy beyond agriculture and tourism
• Create high-tech jobs for young Bhutanese
• Use profits to fund education, healthcare, and public services
• Promote innovation while sticking to its environmental values

The government is also hoping this move can stop the brain drain. Between 2022 and 2023, thousands of young professionals left the country for better job opportunities abroad. The green crypto industry could give them a reason to stay.

Powering Crypto with Hydropower

Crypto mining takes an enormous amount of electricity. Most mining operations use non-renewable sources, leading to massive carbon emissions. Bhutan, however, is rich in hydropower.

Here’s how Bhutan’s energy helps:

• 100% of Bhutan’s electricity comes from hydropower
• This makes mining operations carbon-neutral
• It allows the country to grow economically without sacrificing the environment

By keeping emissions low and energy sustainable, Bhutan’s crypto model could set a global example.

Bhutan’s Partnership with Bitdeer

In 2023, Bhutan teamed up with Bitdeer Technologies, a leading crypto mining company. Their joint mission is to raise a $500 million fund to build mining infrastructure in Bhutan.

This partnership will:

• Create data centers powered by clean energy
• Attract global investors looking for sustainable crypto
• Generate high-paying jobs in blockchain and AI

Bitdeer brings technical expertise, while Bhutan offers clean energy and long-term vision.

Bhutan’s Crypto Holdings and Economic Plans

Bhutan’s crypto journey isn’t just about mining — it’s also about investing. DHI has held Bitcoin and Ethereum for years. These holdings have been used to pay for public expenses like salaries and infrastructure.

In 2025, reports estimated that Bhutan’s Bitcoin reserves are valued at over $600 million — nearly 30% of the nation’s GDP. That’s huge for a small country with just under 800,000 people.

Building the Future: Gelephu Mindfulness City

Bhutan isn’t stopping at crypto mining. It has announced a futuristic project called Gelephu Mindfulness City, a special economic zone built on spiritual and ecological values.

What makes this project unique?

• Powered entirely by renewable energy
• Home to Asia’s first full-reserve digital bank
• Launchpad for Bhutan’s own blockchain-backed currency “Ter”
• Focused on wellness, education, and sustainable innovation

This city could become a global hub for green finance, tech startups, and crypto entrepreneurs.

Bhutan vs Other Countries’ Crypto Mining

How This Helps Bhutan’s Youth

Young people in Bhutan face high unemployment. Many are leaving the country in search of better jobs. With the growth of blockchain and crypto, Bhutan sees an opportunity:

• Train youth in emerging fields like blockchain and AI
• Provide hands-on roles in mining, development, and infrastructure
• Offer alternatives to emigration

This green initiative could turn Bhutan into a regional hub for Web3 talent.

How Safe and Scalable Is This Model?

Bhutan’s strategy is forward-thinking, but it’s not without risks:

• Crypto markets are volatile
• Mining revenue can fluctuate
• Regulatory frameworks are still evolving

To manage this, Bhutan is scaling gradually, focusing on long-term infrastructure and education. The government’s tight involvement adds a layer of stability.

Bhutan’s Green Crypto Initiative Overview

Why the World Is Watching

Bhutan’s model is rare — a developing nation using cutting-edge technology while staying true to its values. It proves that cryptocurrency doesn’t have to be wasteful or exploitative.

Many other countries, especially those rich in renewables, are watching Bhutan closely. This could inspire a wave of “green crypto nations” in the future.

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Conclusion

Bhutan’s green cryptocurrency initiative is more than a tech project — it’s a national strategy. By using hydropower to mine digital currency, the country is tackling unemployment, boosting its economy, and setting an example for the world.

It proves that sustainability and innovation don’t have to be opposites. In fact, when combined wisely, they can shape a brighter, greener future — one crypto block at a time.