Environmental research

This project aims to support community-based initiatives to remove technical and economic barriers to promote environement- friendly measures that mitigate adverse climatic changes and build capacity of the nunnery as a whole. The main objectives of the project was: 1. To sensitize stakeholders on the potential and limitations of solar water heating systems in Bhutan; 2. To develop SWHS strategy for the 9FYP; 3. To seek additional support (hardware & soft ware) from other donors, European Commission etc. to supplement ongoing PV program of RGOB; 4. To contribute to improved health and hygiene of the nuns in the Zilukha Nunnery, with continuous supply of hot water; 5. Reduce fuelwood at Zilukha Nunnery; 6. Operate as pilot demonstration project which will facilitate for research study on the SWHS. If successful, similar program will be expanded to other communities, boarding schools, hospitals and basic health units (BHUs). 7. Stimulation of the Private Sector for production and sale of solar units; 8. Create employment opportunities for youth. The Department of Energy, Ministry of Trade & Industry in Thimphu have plans to introduce about 500 solar water heating systems in various locations and institutions in Bhutan on principles of cost sharing and to inculcate the sense of ownership. A stakeholder workshop was held at the end of year 2004 on the Solar Water Heating System for information and dessemination and based the experiences of the Zilukha Nunnery and discussed the lessons learnt. The workshop also discussed on the standardization of the specification for adoption, development of design manuals for fabrication, installation and maintenance. The nuns at the nunnery take bath with hot water almost every day hence the health and hygiene has been improved significantly. There is no doubt the reduction of fuelwood at the Nunnery and now the reduction has gone down to 3 truckloads from 6 truckloads per year. The officials/technicians from the department of energy visit the project site for monitoring and study of the SHWS. The authorized dealer DSB Enterprises of Tata BP Solar India and the RTI of Bhutan are the potential private sectors to deal with the SHWS in the country so far. The replication of the project is subject to availability of resources and also the people`s willingness to contribute certain principle amount.

Bhutan