Bhutan, the peaceful Himalayan kingdom known for valuing happiness over wealth, is quietly stepping into a surprising new role – crypto innovator. Tapping into its rich supply of clean hydropower, the country is mining green cryptocurrencies and exploring how blockchain could shape its future economy.
What’s even more unexpected? Bhutan has already made millions from digital assets, all while staying under the radar. As global powers debate the future of crypto, this small nation may already be several steps ahead.
Let’s dive into the details.
Green cryptocurrencies are digital currencies mined using clean energy like wind, hydro, or solar power – rather than fossil fuels. Bhutan has quietly made millions by investing in top cryptocurrencies. According to senior officials in Thimphu, the profits were large enough to cover government salaries for two years.
Bhutan’s crypto journey began in 2019 when its sovereign wealth fund, Druk Holding and Investments (DHI), started including digital assets in its portfolio. DHI’s CEO, Ujjwal Deep Dahal, explained that Bhutan’s 100% hydropower-based electricity makes its crypto mining operations clean, green, and sustainable.
Bhutan is using its renewable hydropower to run the powerful computers needed to mine digital currencies. Officials are also exploring the idea of offering Bhutan’s ‘green’ coins to large companies looking to meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. CEO Dahal added that Bitcoin has helped bring in foreign currency and increased the value of Bhutan’s hydropower. He also believes that training young Bhutanese in blockchain and AI can open up more job opportunities in the future.
Bhutan, with a population of around 800,000, is facing a challenge as more than 10% of its young, educated citizens have left the country for better opportunities abroad. This brain drain is pushing the government to find new ways to create jobs and keep talent at home.
Hydropower for a Green Crypto Future
To become a global leader in green digital currency, Bhutan aims to expand its hydropower capacity. The country currently produces 3.5 gigawatts of power but needs around 33 gigawatts to meet its long-term goals. It plans to generate 15 gigawatts over the next 10 to 15 years to support its push for a sustainable crypto economy.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay recently described state-backed Bitcoin mining as a smart strategy, noting that people around the world have made billions from it. He emphasized that governments should take crypto seriously and recognize its potential to drive economic growth.
According to data from Arkham, as of April 9, Bhutan’s Bitcoin holdings are valued at over $600 million – about 30% of the country’s entire GDP. Bhutan also holds other cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and LinqAI. The country’s king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has been a strong supporter of investing in digital infrastructure to support future development.
Unlike many governments that acquire Bitcoin by seizing it from criminals, Bhutan’s holdings come from state-backed mining. Now, more governments are warming up to Bitcoin. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced plans for a strategic Bitcoin reserve, while El Salvador holds nearly $550 million in Bitcoin. Countries like the Central African Republic and France are also recognizing Bitcoin as legal tender, signaling a shift in how nations view digital assets.
As the global crypto race heats up, this tiny Himalayan kingdom might just have the cleanest strategy of them all.
As of April 2025, Bhutan holds over $600 million in Bitcoin, making up about 30% of its GDP, backed by state-supported mining.
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