Bhutan Enhances Green Bitcoin Approach with Cumberland-Backed Infrastructure

Summary: Bhutan has formalized a partnership with Cumberland DRW to establish digital asset infrastructure in Gelephu Mindfulness City. This collaboration is part of Bhutan's strategy to develop a sustainable digital economy, leveraging renewable energy for Bitcoin mining and integrating digital assets into the nation’s economy.

Key Takeaways:

Bhutan signed a multi-year MoU with Cumberland DRW to enhance its digital asset strategy.
The partnership will focus on building infrastructure in Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Bhutan aims to connect its digital economy with sustainable practices and green technology.
Cumberland will assist in Bitcoin reserve management and local workforce development.
Bhutan is recognized as a pioneer in using renewable energy for Bitcoin mining.

Bhutan Enhances Green Bitcoin Approach

Strengthening Bhutan’s Digital Asset Strategy

Bhutan has entered a multi-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cumberland DRW, a prominent crypto market maker, to collaborate on developing digital asset infrastructure within Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). This partnership signifies a notable move towards enhancing Bhutan’s long-term, sustainability-oriented crypto strategies.

According to an announcement shared with Cointelegraph, this partnership seeks to support Bhutan’s ambition of creating a modern digital economy that aligns with its environmental and governance principles. Jigdrel Singay, a board director at Gelephu Mindfulness City, emphasized that the collaboration will involve Cumberland aiding in Bitcoin reserve management, establishing a local presence in GMC, and hiring local talent. Additionally, Cumberland will deploy experts to bolster the development of the local workforce.

The GMC is designed as a special administrative region in Bhutan, intending to attract global talent while emphasizing technology, sustainability, and mindful development.

Gelephu Mindfulness City Source: GMCBhutan

Developing a National Digital Asset Ecosystem

Cumberland, which is part of the Chicago-based trading firm DRW, stands out as one of the largest institutional liquidity providers in the cryptocurrency space. The firm has been active since 2014, serving global institutions in both spot and derivatives markets.

Through the MoU, both Cumberland and Bhutan aim to explore the creation of a national cryptocurrency ecosystem. This initiative includes developing modern financial frameworks, sustainable mining practices, artificial intelligence computing, yield generation, and stablecoin infrastructure.

The project is spearheaded by Green Digital, a digital infrastructure company linked to GMC that focuses on creating renewable-energy-powered computing facilities. Their mission is to align the development of digital assets with Bhutan’s broader goals of sustainability and economic diversification.

Bhutan's approach is anchored in its Gross National Happiness (GNH) model, which values collective happiness over mere economic growth—a principle that is central to the nation’s identity.

“Bhutan’s clarity of vision and commitment to sustainable development position it as an ideal partner for responsible and progressive innovation,” remarked Donald R. Wilson, founder of DRW. “We are privileged to support Bhutan in laying the groundwork for a modern digital economy.”

It is important to note that this agreement remains an MoU, meaning it outlines cooperation areas but does not entail binding commitments. Therefore, it does not ensure the implementation of specific infrastructure projects.

Bhutan’s Commitment to the Digital Asset Ecosystem

Known as one of the first sovereign Bitcoin miners, Bhutan utilizes surplus hydropower to accumulate a national Bitcoin reserve through its renewable energy resources.

Furthermore, Bhutan has incorporated digital assets into GMC's strategic reserves, facilitated crypto-based transactions across tourism and merchant services, and introduced the TER, a sovereign-backed digital token linked to physical gold.

Collectively, these initiatives position Bhutan as a distinctive example of a nation that treats Bitcoin, stablecoins, and blockchain infrastructure as foundational economic tools rather than speculative ventures.