In a strategic move that reflects the growing intersection between digital innovation and sustainability, Bitdeer has officially begun phased operations at its massive 500-megawatt mining facility in Jigmeling, Bhutan. The site, which spans over 90 acres, is expected to reach full-scale operations by early 2026, becoming the company’s second-largest global center after its 563MW operation in Texas.
Bitdeer, a Nasdaq-listed blockchain and high-performance computing firm headquartered in Singapore, is working in close partnership with Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI), Bhutan’s state-owned investment arm. Together, they’re not only expanding the country’s role in the global crypto mining ecosystem but also positioning it as a hub for cutting-edge technologies like AI, high-performance computing, and blockchain infrastructure.
“The partnership between Bitdeer and DHI brings significant economic and technological benefits to Bhutan, fostering growth in key sectors,” said the project manager at DHI. He noted that this collaboration marks a turning point not only for Bhutan’s digital ambitions but also for its economic future, as it “generates government revenue through corporate taxes, fees, and joint venture earnings, reinforcing Bhutan’s long-term financial stability.”
What sets the project apart is its deep integration with Bhutanese leadership. The entire initiative—from project management to engineering and design—has been spearheaded by local professionals. This highlights the country’s growing technical capacity and its ability to manage high-level infrastructure in a field typically dominated by international players.
The data center’s impact on the local economy is expected to be significant. It will create jobs across a wide range of sectors, including construction, engineering, security, and administration. In parallel, Bitdeer and DHI plan to roll out skills development programs to prepare the local workforce for roles in the digital economy. The project is also set to boost local infrastructure, from fiber optic networks to power distribution systems and industrial facilities.
Sustainability is at the heart of the Jigmeling facility. Powered primarily by Bhutan’s abundant renewable hydropower, the center minimizes carbon emissions, particularly during periods of high energy demand. Advanced cooling systems and eco-friendly building materials have been integrated to maximize efficiency, and the team is exploring ways to repurpose waste heat for industrial or residential use. The project manager emphasized that “continuous environmental assessments and monitoring reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainability.”
To further enhance operational resilience, the facility will integrate solar power, battery storage, and smart grid systems to ensure stable energy supply year-round, even during seasonal hydropower fluctuations.
Once fully operational, the mine is projected to generate between nine to ten Bitcoins daily, translating to a potential daily revenue between USD 734,000 and USD 816,000 based on recent market prices. This operation is the second initiative under a $500 million closed-end fund launched in 2023 to support blockchain ventures in Bhutan. The first was the 100MW mine in Gedu, which began operations mid-last year.
Bitdeer and DHI plan to build a total of 600MW of Bitcoin mining capacity across the country. Their broader investment strategy includes not just mining but also renewable energy projects—such as green ammonia and hydrogen—as well as ventures into AI, machine learning, carbon credit platforms, and even the metaverse.
Bhutan’s stable regulatory environment, business-friendly policies, cool climate, and nearly 100% renewable energy grid have made it a rare ideal location for large-scale digital infrastructure. With Jigmeling leading the charge, the country is rapidly transforming from a quiet Himalayan kingdom into a forward-looking digital powerhouse.
By Alejandro Silva Ramírez, Crypto Analyst & Columnist