Risk Assessment and Hazard Mapping Power System Infrastructure in Bhutan

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Risk Assessment and Hazard Mapping Power System Infrastructure in Bhutan

This project assessed Bhutan’s power sector, analyzing risks, hazards, and climate change impacts on infrastructure and networks. By reviewing historical and current management practices and applying a hazard probability matrix, it identified key vulnerabilities.

The study proposed a comprehensive risk management framework focused on planning, preparedness, prevention, and risk reduction strategies.

These findings support efforts to enhance the resilience and reliability of Bhutan’s energy systems amid evolving environmental challenges and future uncertainties.

Annual losses from
floods in Bhutan
$ 0 mn
Installed hydropower
capacity, Bhutan’s main
power source
0 mw

Impact and Key Findings

1

Ageing infrastructure and climate change pose growing threats to power stations, transmission lines, and substations, gradually weakening structural integrity and operational efficiency. Proactive risk reduction is essential to ensure long-term reliability and resilience in energy systems. 

2

Extreme weather events and natural hazards like floods, storms, and landslides increasingly threaten power infrastructure, leading to outages and disruptions. These impacts compromise electricity reliability, affecting essential services and overall community resilience amid growing environmental challenges. 

3

Ensuring a sustainable electricity supply requires upgrading and fortifying power systems while incorporating climate risk assessments into future planning. This proactive approach enhances resilience, safeguards infrastructure, and supports reliable energy access amid evolving environmental and operational challenges. 

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.