Official Inauguration of STAR-C
On 20 October 2025, the Solar Technology Application Centre (STAR-C) was inaugurated at the College of Science and Technology (CST), Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), by His Excellency Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and His Excellency Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly. The inauguration event was also attended by Consulate General of India in Phuentsholing, Vice Chancellor of RUB, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), Director General of the Department of Energy, Regional Programme Head for Asia and the Pacific Region from ISA, and officials from Phuentsholing Thromde, among others.
Bhutan’s engagement with STAR-C began when the country was identified as one of the focus countries during the Fifth Session of the ISA Assembly in October 2022. Following this, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 15 April 2024 between MoENR, RUB, and ISA, leading to the establishment of STAR-C at CST at a total cost of approximately Nu. 10 million, with ISA contributing Nu. 8 million for laboratory equipment and CST providing Nu. 2 million for infrastructure.
Welcoming the delegation, President of CST, Dr. Cheki Dorji, said, “The inauguration of STAR-C marks a new chapter in CST’s journey, where global partnerships translate into local realities. With the signing of the operational agreement with ISA and ISA’s valued support, we are confident and committed to building the technical skills, research, and innovation capacity needed to strengthen Bhutan’s energy security. We reaffirm our gratitude to ISA and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources for their trust in CST and pledge our full commitment to ensure that STAR-C delivers tangible impact for Bhutan and the region.”
Addressing the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister of Energy and Natural Resources H.E. Lyonpo Gem Tshering said, “With today’s inauguration, we proudly add the ‘Centre’ to STAR at CST, transforming it into a true hub for solar innovation, training, and knowledge sharing. The establishment of STAR-C, in partnership with the International Solar Alliance, reflects Bhutan’s deep commitment to building national capacity, fostering innovation, and equipping our youth with the skills needed to realise the country’s solar ambitions. As Bhutan advances towards its 5,000 MW solar target by 2040 alongside our rich hydropower legacy, STAR-C will be pivotal in strengthening institutions, creating green jobs, and making solar a cornerstone of our sustainable and resilient energy future. This centre adds a feather to CST’s cap, and with ISA’s partnerships and continued support, positions Bhutan to inspire the region with a model of growth firmly rooted in our development philosophy of Gross National Happiness.”
Echoing this vision, Mr. Ashish Khanna, Director General, International Solar Alliance, remarked virtually, “The inauguration of STAR-C at the College of Science and Technology marks a defining milestone in Bhutan’s clean energy journey. STAR-C is more than a training centre, it is the Kingdom’s apex institution for building the skills, standards, and innovation needed to translate Bhutan’s 5,000 MW solar ambition into reality. By connecting local talent with ISA’s global ecosystem, STAR-C will foster entrepreneurs, provide testing and certification, and digitise knowledge exchange. Over time, it will evolve into a regional hub of excellence, anchoring Bhutan’s leadership in solar development while offering a model of resilience and innovation for the Asia-Pacific and beyond.”
Mr. Cheku Dorji, Assistant Professor and focal person of STAR-C, said, “Translating vision into action, the immediate next steps include rolling out Training of Trainers (ToT) programs for faculty and developing certification courses for technicians, professionals, policymakers, and bankers, in close collaboration with ISA and MoENR.
Looking ahead, STAR-C is envisioned to evolve into a comprehensive testing and certification facility as well as a dynamic incubation hub. This initiative will ensure that solar products entering the market meet international quality standards, boost consumer confidence, and create new opportunities for regional trade, innovation, and collaboration.
