Bhutan Turns to Green Crypto Mining to Tackle Youth Migration and Boost Economy

• Bhutan uses hydropower to mine green crypto and aims to boost jobs for young people through this move.
• The country plans to expand hydropower to support clean crypto mining and grow its digital economy.
• Bhutan sees green crypto as a way to stop youth migration and build a stable economic future.

Bhutan is turning to green cryptocurrency mining to support its economy and address rising youth migration. The Himalayan nation plans to convert its extensive hydroelectric capabilities into digital currency mining operations by using renewable energy supplies.

Hydropower Powers Crypto Ambitions

Bhutan runs entirely on hydropower. This clean energy advantage allows the country to mine digital currencies without harming the environment. By doing so, Bhutan positions itself as a green alternative in the global cryptocurrency space.

Bhutan runs its sole power utility through a government-controlled sovereign wealth fund. The government fund established its cryptocurrency investments in 2019. The government investments helped Bhutan bring in millions of dollars as financial returns.  The country even used profits from crypto to pay government salaries for two years.

Digital Mining to Create Jobs

Officials now plan to expand green crypto mining operations. The strategy aims to generate jobs, especially in blockchain and artificial intelligence sectors. Bhutan is training young citizens in these fields to prepare them for future opportunities.

Government data shows over 10% of Bhutan’s youth migrated between 2022 and 2023. Youth unemployment reached 16.5% in 2024. The government hopes the crypto sector can help reverse this trend.

Exploring International Interest

Authorities are exploring if global companies might buy Bhutan’s green digital coins. Many large firms face pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance standards. Bhutan’s clean-energy-backed cryptocurrency could appeal to these firms.

Bhutan uses high-powered computers to mine digital assets. These machines run on electricity generated from hydropower plants. Each mined coin replaces a coin otherwise created using fossil fuels. This shift supports the global transition to low-carbon technologies.

Hydropower Expansion Key to Vision

The current electricity capacity of Bhutan stands at 3.5 gigawatts. Research indicates that Bhutan has potential to increase its hydropower capacity from 3.5 to 33 gigawatts. The government plans to produce 15 gigawatts of power during the next 10 to 15 years. The execution of this goal is essential to keep crypto mining at scale viable.

Crypto Mining Gains Global Attention

The development of clean energy-based mining activities in Bhutan stands in contrast to other countries which follow an opposite trend. The Russian government declared a six-year mining ban which affects crypto operations in selected regions. The restriction came into effect in January 2025 to help save energy at peak winter periods. Russia aims to reduce fossil fuel usage and ensure power for essential services.

Bhutan’s approach offers a contrast. It uses clean energy to power a digital future, aiming for growth while maintaining sustainability.