- Bhutan is using its abundant hydropower to mine green cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable digital assets.
- The country’s crypto profits, already valued at over $600 million, are helping fund government salaries and create jobs for its youth.
In the heart of the Himalayas, where Gross National Happiness trumps GDP, Bhutan is quietly building a crypto empire powered entirely by nature. With Bitcoin surging past $84,000, this tranquil kingdom has turned its vast hydropower reserves into a green engine for economic transformation — and the world is just starting to take notice.
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Behind the serene monasteries and misty mountains lies a high-tech strategy. Since 2019, Bhutan’s sovereign wealth fund, Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), has been mining and investing in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The country’s clean, renewable energy — 100% hydropower — gives it a unique advantage in the energy-hungry world of crypto mining.
This “green crypto” approach is already paying off. Senior officials reveal that digital asset profits have been substantial enough to fund government salaries for two consecutive years. And that’s just the beginning.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay recently called Bitcoin mining a smart and forward-thinking move, urging governments worldwide to take crypto seriously. With over $600 million in Bitcoin holdings — nearly 30% of Bhutan’s GDP — the country is proving that small nations can play big in the digital economy.
But this strategy isn’t just about profits. Bhutan is also looking to curb its brain drain, as over 10% of its educated youth migrate abroad. By training young people in blockchain and AI, the government aims to create homegrown jobs and stem the talent exodus.
To sustain this momentum, Bhutan plans to ramp up its hydropower capacity from 3.5 to 15 gigawatts over the next 10 to 15 years. The goal? To position itself as a global hub for sustainable crypto and a preferred partner for companies seeking green, ESG-aligned investments.
While many countries are still debating crypto’s legitimacy, Bhutan is quietly showing the world how digital assets and clean energy can power a sma
