January-February. 2026 | @ green

This initiative is set to facilitate regional clean energy trade, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs within the Kingdom.

The foundational element of this initiative is the 1,125 MW Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project, strategically located on the Kurichhu River in eastern Bhutan. The project is expected to generate over 4,500 GWh of clean electricity annually, thereby enhancing the nation ' s energy production by 40 per cent and increasing energy exports by 42 per cent.

The Dorjilung project promises to mitigate Bhutan ' s seasonal energy gap, eliminating reliance on costly winter energy imports. Furthermore, it will generate surplus energy during the summer and monsoon seasons, enabling exports to India when domestic demand in Bhutan is low.

The financial savings and revenues generated by this project are anticipated to create fiscal space for essential social spending and for further investments that benefit the people of Bhutan.

Bhutan Finance Minister Lyonpo Lekey Dorji expressed the project ' s significance: " The Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project is a national priority and will be transformational for Bhutan, delivering clean electricity, spurring economic growth, and advancing our carbon-negative commitment.

" Its innovative financing structure ensures that this project does not unduly burden public finances, allowing us to continue investing in our people."

This initiative marks a pivotal development in Bhutan ' s hydropower sector, being the largest hydropower project developed under a public-private partnership. It signifies a shift towards a more sustainable financing model and opens the door to greater private-sector investment in hydropower.

The World Bank Group ' s financing support amounts to US $ 815 million, which is expected to leverage an additional $ 900 million from private investors.

The World Bank Group ' s Country Manager for Bhutan, Xavier Furtado, highlighted the collaborative effort: " We have worked with the Royal Government of Bhutan to assemble a financing package designed to keep sovereign borrowing to a minimum, catalyse private sector engagement, and carefully balance risks among public and private stakeholders. This approach can serve as a model for future sustainable hydro development in Bhutan and other countries."

The Dorjilung project is projected to create thousands of jobs during both construction and operation phases, boosting local enterprises and supporting livelihoods in the Mongar and Lhuentse Districts, areas that have historically experienced higher poverty

RENEWABLE OPPORTUNITY: Construction underway at the Dorjilung Hydroelectric Power Project, paving the way for Bhutan ' s sustainable energy future.

rates, unemployment, and out-migration than the national average. Additionally, the initiative will enhance road infrastructure and improve access to markets and essential services for local communities.

The financing package comprises a US $ 150 million grant and a US $ 150 million credit from the International Development Association( IDA), along with a US $ 15 million enclave loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development( IBRD) to the Government of Bhutan.

Additionally, a US $ 200 million IBRD enclave loan and a US $ 300 million loan from the International Finance Corporation( IFC) will be allocated to Dorjilung Hydro Power Limited( DHPL), a special purpose vehicle owned 60 per cent by Bhutan ' s Druk Green Power Corporation and 40 per cent by Tata Power, India ' s largest private integrated power company.

The successful implementation of this project marks a significant step forward in Bhutan ' s commitment to sustainable energy and economic resilience, positioning the nation as a regional leader in clean energy initiatives.

ON Jan 10, 2026, CATL launched the NING SERVICE Experience Centre in Riyadh, marking the opening of the Middle East ' s first and largest newenergy aftermarket facility outside China. This milestone demonstrated CATL ' s commitment to strengthening its after-sales presence in the region while aiding the transition to cleaner energy solutions.

The inauguration occurred as Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East advanced their ambitious electrification and decarbonisation initiatives under Vision 2030 and similar programmes. The Kingdom aims to convert 30 per cent of all vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, aiming to reduce emissions in the capital by 50 per cent.

Additionally, efforts to promote electric equipment and green energy on farms, particularly through the Saudi Green Initiative, continued to gain traction. However, ongoing challenges such as oil dependency, rising electricity demand, extreme weather, and insufficient charging infrastructure persisted.

Strategically designed to tackle these

obstacles, the Riyadh facility offered comprehensive, full-lifecycle after-sales support, nurtured local technical talent, and expedited the rollout of advanced electrification and energy storage solutions.

Spanning over 7,000 square metres, the centre featured exhibition areas, diagnostic and maintenance zones, refurbishment facilities, training spaces, and a customer lounge. It served not only as a local service hub but also as a demonstration of CATL ' s capabilities in electric mobility, energy storage, and intelligent electrification.

Emphasising a full lifecycle approach, the NING SERVICE Experience Centre leveraged CATL ' s extensive research and manufacturing capabilities to offer a wide range of services, including battery diagnostics, repair, maintenance, training, recycling, and logistics. These offerings established a new benchmark for new energy service delivery in the region.

By employing CATL ' s advanced diagnostics and repair expertise, the centre helped enterprises reduce downtime and maintenance costs, extend asset longevity, enhance long-term reliability, and lower ownership costs.

In addition to technical expertise, the Riyadh centre represented a pivotal platform for CATL ' s localised operations, fostering talent development and sustainable local value creation. With dedicated training facilities, CATL enhanced after-sales expertise in the new energy sector, contributing to skilled employment and knowledge transfer throughout the Middle East. Globally, NING SERVICE operated ten training centres, certifying over 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals in partnership with vocational institutions.

Finest local partnerships further advanced CATL ' s localisation strategy, with discussions aimed at facilitating green electricity across gas stations and supporting the electrification of truck fleets.

The Riyadh opening expanded CATL ' s global service network, now featuring over 1,200 professional service stations in 76 countries and 73 spare-parts warehouses. NING SERVICE has already supported over six million electric vehicles, providing professional after-sales service for both passenger and commercial vehicles.

CATL ' s Battery Management System Department Aftermarket Business( Quality System) President Bruce Li affirmed the strategic importance of the new centre: " This facility is more than just a service location; it is a new energy aftermarket ecosystem hub that connects stakeholders and fosters sustainable growth across the region."

As the Middle East accelerates its shift toward electrification and energy storage, CATL ' s NING SERVICE centre is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring the technical reliability and long-term partnerships necessary for this transformation. – @ green