Sustainability & ESG

100% Renewable. Carbon-Negative Nation.

DGPC generates clean electricity in the world's only carbon-negative country. Our sustainability commitment isn't a policy — it's the foundation of everything Bhutan represents.

ESG at a glance

Energy Source 100% Renewable

Carbon Status Carbon-Negative

Operating Plants 8 Hydropower

Annual Generation 10,000+ GWh

Framework Alignment GRI · TCFD · SDGs

01 100% Renewable Energy Source
02 Carbon-Negative Carbon Status
03 8 Hydropower Operating Plants
04 10,000+ GWh Annual Generation
05 GRI · TCFD · SDGs Framework Alignment

Sustainability Vision

Sustainability & ESG Commitment

DGPC's power plants generate 100% renewable hydropower in Bhutan, one of the world's few carbon-negative countries. As the country's largest hydropower producer, DGPC plays a central role in supplying clean electricity that supports national development while contributing to regional power markets.

DGPC's operations are guided by Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles that shape how the company develops and manages its energy assets. By generating electricity from natural river systems, DGPC contributes to reducing carbon emissions while strengthening renewable power supply across the region.

DGPC's operational framework is built around three sustainability priorities. These include responsible environmental management across hydropower projects and operations, ensuring that energy development remains aligned with Bhutan's environmental protection goals. Alongside environmental stewardship, DGPC places strong emphasis on positive social impact through community engagement and development initiatives in project areas.

Strong governance practices support transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across the organisation. Together, these principles guide DGPC's approach to sustainable energy development while supporting Bhutan's environmental commitments and strengthening communities connected to its hydropower operations.

Three Sustainability Priorities

The Foundations of Responsible Energy

DGPC's approach to sustainability rests on three interconnected commitments that guide every stage of hydropower development and operation.

Environmental Stewardship

Responsible environmental management across all hydropower projects and operations, ensuring energy development remains aligned with Bhutan's environmental protection goals and carbon-negative commitment.

Social Impact

Strong emphasis on positive social impact through community engagement and development initiatives in project areas, reflecting Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness.

Governance & Transparency

Governance practices that support transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, progressively aligned with GRI and TCFD international reporting standards.

Strategic Focus

ESG Strategy

DGPC's sustainability strategy centres on managing Bhutan's water resources carefully so we can continue to generate renewable electricity. Hydropower offers a reliable, low-carbon energy option that supports Bhutan's long-term energy security. DGPC currently operates 8 hydropower plants and several embedded generations, producing more than 10 TWh of electricity annually.

Environmental responsibility is considered at every stage of hydropower project development. From the earliest stages of project planning and engineering design through construction and ongoing plant operations, environmental safeguards are integrated alongside technical and economic considerations.

Particular attention is given to protecting river systems, surrounding ecosystems, and the natural landscape that sustains Bhutan's hydropower resources. This renewable generation helps avoid significant greenhouse-gas emissions that would otherwise arise from fossil-fuel-based electricity generation in the regional grid.

Operational Practices

Environmental Stewardship in Practice

Catchment Area Preservation

DGPC collaborates with national agencies and local communities to protect river basins that sustain hydropower generation across its operational portfolio, helping maintain watershed stability and biodiversity across key catchment areas supporting its projects.

Afforestation Initiatives

Tree-planting and ecological restoration programs are carried out in catchment areas surrounding DGPC's hydropower facilities. These efforts focus on strengthening forest cover, supporting natural regeneration, and maintaining ecological balance in project regions over time.

Waste Management Programs

Structured waste-handling systems are implemented across DGPC's operational hydropower plants to minimise environmental impact during plant operations and maintenance. These initiatives are further supported through DGPC's CSR programs, with Nu. 25 million allocated in 2025 toward community and environmental activities, including waste management in project areas.

Environmental Monitoring Systems

Environmental monitoring and compliance mechanisms are implemented across DGPC's hydropower portfolio in line with recognised international environmental and social standards. Monitoring activities cover key parameters such as water quality, sediment levels, and ecosystem health to ensure responsible and sustainable operations.

Strategic Focus

CSR & Community Impact

For DGPC, sustainability goes beyond the generation of electricity. Hydropower projects operate in close proximity to local communities, making community well-being an essential part of the company's long-term responsibilities.

Religious & Cultural Programs

Support for local monasteries, festivals, and cultural activities that help sustain Bhutan's traditions and heritage in communities located near hydropower projects.

Educational Initiative

Support for schools and educational programs that strengthen learning opportunities and contribute to long-term community development in project regions.

Social Welfare Activities

Community support initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of residents in areas surrounding DGPC's hydropower facilities.

Environmental Conservation

Conservation and environmental stewardship initiatives carried out in hydropower project areas to support environmental protection and ecological balance.

People & Workplace

Women Empowerment, Community & Inclusion

DGPC recognises that its employees are essential to the company's long-term success. With a workforce of more than 1,800 employees across its operations, the company places strong emphasis on maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive workplace, especially for female employees.

DGPC joined the South Asia Women in Power Sector Professional Network (WePOWER) as a regional partner in 2019. DGPC also supports developing young minds through STEM outreach programmes and career education in schools and institutions, especially for female students, and internships to college students at power plants.

Women represent 26.58% of DGPC's total workforce. To strengthen participation in technical and leadership roles across the organisation, DGPC strives to ensure inclusive participation in training and development opportunities, promoting balanced representation and equal access to learning across the workforce.

1,800+

Employees across all DGPC operations

26.58%

Women in DGPC's total workforce

Operational hydropower plants across Bhutan's river basins

Mental Well-Being Guidelines

Supporting psychological health and a balanced work-life approach.

WePOWER Network

Regional partner since 2019, promoting inclusion and professional opportunities for women in energy.

Awareness Programs

Addressing workplace and sexual harassment, maintaining a respectful workplace culture.

Governance & Risk

A Robust Governance Framework

DGPC's robust governance framework underpins its commitment to responsible corporate management. Well-defined governance structures are essential; they foster transparency, accountability, and integrity throughout every facet of its operations. These practices support effective decision-making while reinforcing trust among shareholders, partners, and other stakeholders. DGPC's Board of Directors maintains oversight of governance and ESG matters, ensuring accountability at the highest institutional level.

DHI Ownership Policy 2010

Sets standards for governance and accountability across state-owned enterprises under Druk Holding and Investments.

Corporate Governance Code

Established in 2013, codifies principles for transparency, ethical conduct, and organisational oversight.

DHI CSR Guideline

In accordance with the Companies Act of Bhutan 2016, this framework establishes the standards for DHI’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

International Standards Alignment

DGPC's governance and sustainability practices are progressively aligned with international reporting standards including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), helping strengthen transparency and investor confidence. The company maintains a Business Code of Conduct that outlines ethical standards expected of all employees. Governance principles also extend to DGPC's subsidiary companies, ensuring consistent transparency and responsible management across the entire corporate group. Risk management processes are used to identify, evaluate, and manage operational and financial risks, maintaining organisational stability while protecting shareholder interests.

Resources

Reports & Downloads

DGPC supports transparency by providing stakeholders with access to key corporate documents that outline its governance practices, sustainability commitments, and operational policies. These resources help stakeholders understand how the company manages its responsibilities as a major producer of renewable electricity.

Corporate Governance Code (2013)

Governance principles, organisational transparency, and oversight structures.

Download

Annual Report (Latest Edition)

Operational performance, financial results, and strategic developments.

Download

DHI Ownership Policy

Standards for governance and accountability across state-owned enterprises.

Download

DHI CSR Guideline

the standards for DHI’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Download

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Affordable & Clean Energy

Clean Water & Sanitation

Climate Action

Life on Land

What Comes Next

Sustainability Is Not a Policy — It's Who We Are

DGPC operates in the world's only carbon-negative country. Every megawatt we generate reinforces Bhutan's commitment to environmental stewardship and inclusive development.

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