Project Ref (2025-1): ADB TA 10345-BHU: Scaling Up Distributed Solar Deployment Consulting firm

Narrative:

The main objective of the assignment is to support the development of solar energy in Bhutan through two key outputs. Under Output 1, the assignment will support the pilot testing of a 0.5 MW agrivoltaic system that combines solar panels with crop cultivation on selected government farms. This includes site assessment, technical design, procurement support, development of environmental and maintenance guidelines, and capacity building through stakeholder training, with the aim of informing future scale-up. Under Output 2, the focus is on enhancing institutional capacity and promoting green job opportunities by developing scale-up strategies for distributed solar systems, preparing environmental guidelines for solar panel waste management, supporting vocational and on-the-job training with a focus on gender inclusion, and strengthening DGPC’s technical, operational, and safeguard capacities in solar energy development.

Following were the major scope of the assignment:

• Agrivoltaic Farming Pilot Project: i) facilitating coordination meetings with MOAL, MOENR, DGPC, and relevant stakeholders; ii) supporting data collection from primary and secondary sources; iii) organizing site visits to potential pilot locations identified by MOAL; and iv) providing project management support to ensure timely and successful implementation and reporting of the agrivoltaic pilot project.
• Institutional Capacity and Green Job Development: i) assist in developing scale-up strategies for distributed solar systems, including technical guidelines, business models, and financing schemes for various consumer categories; ii) assess skill gaps and design upskilling programs for TVET trainers and trainees, and support on-the-job training implementation in collaboration with contractors; iii) conduct gender-inclusive workshops and awareness campaigns to promote solar careers, particularly for women; iv) undertake policy analysis and propose leasing models and PPAs tailored to Bhutan’s regulatory context; v) design user-friendly digital platforms for data monitoring and reporting, and train stakeholders on their use; and vi) provide coordination, data gathering, and technical inputs to ensure smooth delivery of project activities.
• Capacity Development for DGPC: i) delivering hands-on training for DGPC in technical assessments, bid preparation, and solar system performance evaluation; ii) developing and providing training on environment, health, and safety (EHS) manuals, particularly for rooftop solar and electrical safety; iii) supporting the preparation of social due diligence reports for future subprojects; iv) designing performance indicators and establishing real-time monitoring systems to track efficiency and system reliability; v) conducting regular evaluations and advising on maintenance strategies; and vi) supporting DGPC through stakeholder coordination, technical assistance, and timely input to ensure effective project execution.