The Solar Technology Application Centre (STAR-C) was inaugurated today at the College of Science and Technology (CST), Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), Phuentsholing, by His Excellency Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and His Excellency Dr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly. The inauguration event was also attended by the Consulate General of India in Phuentsholing, the Vice Chancellor of RUB, senior representatives from ISA and officials from Phuentsholing Thromde, among others.
Bhutan’s engagement with STAR-C began when the country was identified by ISA 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 in April 2024 between the MoENR, RUB, and the ISA, leading to the establishment of STAR-C at CST at a total cost of approximately Nu. 10 million with ISA contribution of 8.0 million on the lab equipment, and CST contributed about 2.0 million for the infrastructure.
The STAR-C is envisioned to serve as the national hub for solar energy training, testing, innovation, and business incubation. The ISA will provide financial and technical support for the initial two years (2025–2027). In line with this, an operational agreement was signed last month between CST and ISA, providing USD 67,900 as operational funding for FY 2025–26 to support STAR-C’s activities and programme implementation.
Looking ahead, Bhutan, together with ISA and CST, aims to expand and upgrade STAR-C into a comprehensive testing and certification facility as well as an incubation hub. This initiative ensures that solar products entering the market meet international quality standards, strengthening consumer confidence and fostering new opportunities for regional trade and collaboration.
