Multi-Criteria Assessment Framework: Prioritising Renewable Energy-Powered Lift Irrigation Sites in Bhutan

Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation is deeply embedded in its national policies and vision for the future. Agriculture remains the backbone of Bhutan's rural economy, and ensuring reliable irrigation is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving livelihoods, and strengthening food security. However, given the challenging topography and climate variability, conventional irrigation systems are often inadequate, requiring innovative and sustainable solutions. Renewable energy (RE)-powered irrigation systems can play a key role in addressing these challenges. This Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) Framework has been developed to support the prioritisation and evaluation of RE-powered and conventional lift irrigation projects in Bhutan. It provides a structured, holistic, and evidence-based approach to evaluating and selecting sites based on technical feasibility, financial and economic viability, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The framework will serve as a critical decision-making tool for policymakers, planners, and project implementers, ensuring that irrigation projects are not only efficient and effective but also gender-equitable and socially inclusive (GESI). The development of this framework has been a collaborative effort led by the Department of Energy, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, with support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).