Bhutan Pledges 10,000 Bitcoin for Gelephu City

Bhutan has pledged up to 10,000 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $1 billion, to fund the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City, a new economic hub in the southern part of the country aimed at fostering sustainable growth and job creation. The announcement, made by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck during National Day celebrations in December, positions the cryptocurrency as a strategic national asset to support long-term infrastructure and economic diversification.

The initiative draws from Bhutan's substantial Bitcoin reserves, accumulated over several years through mining operations powered by surplus hydroelectric energy. Officials stated that the country generates more power than it consumes domestically, allowing excess renewable resources to be converted into digital assets without additional environmental strain. This approach aligns with Bhutan's commitment to sustainability, as the mining process utilizes clean energy that would otherwise go unused. The government plans to manage the allocated Bitcoin through risk-averse strategies, including long-term holding, collateralized lending, and treasury-like yield generation, to preserve its value while financing projects.