CIR to train Bhutan’s next solar engineers

Cleantech Industry Resources has been selected by Bhutan’s College of Science and Technology under the International Solar Alliance’s STAR-C initiative to lead a three-day PVsyst workshop. The program is Bhutan’s first Level 2 solar training course and aims to build the engineering capacity needed for the country’s 5,000 MW solar goal by 2040.

Why it matters: - Bhutan is scaling up solar power and needs more engineers who can model, assess, and optimize projects before they are built. - The training is designed to support Bhutan’s goal of reaching 5,000 MW of solar capacity by 2040. - The program adds advanced workforce training to Bhutan’s clean energy buildout at a time when more utility-scale projects are moving forward.

What happened: - Cleantech Industry Resources was selected by the College of Science and Technology, Royal University of Bhutan, under the STAR-C initiative of the International Solar Alliance to lead a three-day PVsyst training workshop. - The session trains 22 engineers and energy professionals in PVsyst modeling, energy yield simulation, system optimization, and techno-economic assessment. - The workshop is Bhutan’s first STAR-C Level 2 professional training program.

The details: - CIR was chosen for its in-house PV engineering work across global projects. - The training covers PVsyst inputs, shading and loss analysis, energy yield assessment, optimization, PV + BESS modeling, and how to use simulation results for feasibility work and technical due diligence. - The program follows seven STAR-C Level 1 technician training batches that have trained 138 participants. - Advancing to Level 2 required instructors with production-grade modeling experience and a curriculum built around hands-on application. - Bhutan’s commissioning of the Sephu Solar Plant, its first utility-scale grid-connected solar PV facility, adds urgency to the need for skilled solar professionals. - STAR-C at CST continues to serve as a platform for solar training, technical learning, knowledge exchange, and capacity development in Bhutan. - The inaugural session included Ms. Sucheta Chatterjee, Consul General of India in Phuentsholing, as Chief Guest, along with CST leadership, ISA representatives, the STAR-C Bhutan team, faculty members, and participating engineers. - CIR says its global project development and engineering discipline is the same standard its engineers bring into the classroom. - More information about Cleantech Industry Resources is available here.

Between the lines: - The selection signals that Bhutan’s solar push is moving from basic technician training toward deeper professional capacity building. - CIR’s role suggests the market values practical engineering experience, not just classroom instruction, for advanced renewable energy training. - The shift to Level 2 training implies Bhutan is preparing for more complex solar and storage projects that require stronger technical due diligence.

What’s next: - STAR-C Bhutan is expected to continue expanding its training pathway beyond foundational technician-level programs. - Bhutan’s growing solar project pipeline will likely increase demand for engineers who can support feasibility, modeling, and project optimization. - CIR’s training could help create a local talent base for future commercial and utility-scale solar development.

The bottom line: - Bhutan’s solar ambitions now depend as much on engineering talent as on project financing and land or grid access. - CIR’s workshop is a capacity-building step aimed at closing that skills gap.