January 30, 2021
Amidst global warming and climate change, Myanmar’s energy sector has seen an increase in renewable energy power production.
With the opening of a first ever solar power plant with 40 MW production capacity in June 2019 in Minbu in central Myanmar, our country has taken a first step towards the renewable energy target of electrification for 75 per cent of the country’s population by 2025.
A 0.5 MW Solar Power Plant was opened in Manaung Island on 19 December 2019 while another 0.5 MW Solar Power Plant in Cocogyun Township has been supplying power to the local people 24/7 since 4th January this year.
Meanwhile, with a total installed capacity of 1,030 MW, ongoing solar power projects in 29 places are targeted to produce electricity in mid-2021.
Upon completion of the ongoing solar power projects, solar energy will be at near 14 per cent of our country’s General Mix while hydro power plants are generating 40 per cent and LNG plants 11 per cent of our electricity mix.
When the total installed capacity of our country reaches 8118 MW, renewable energy will account for 54 per cent and clean fuel will be 45 per cent of our country’s electricity mix. Hence, we have a rosy future for our future energy sector.
However, we need technology and financial assistance from international countries and we need to explore possible places to produce renewable energy while encouraging investors to enter into the renewable energy sector to ensure that electricity reaches at a lower price under Off-Grid Component of National Electrification Project which was launched in the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year.
The government is hoping to achieve 100-per-cent electrification in 3 to 4 years, and efforts are being made towards that end. Myanmar is well on the road to using renewable energy resources for generating power.
We must generate solar and wind power, using clean energy resources as much we can, to meet the national goal of nationwide electrification without damaging the environment.
We are confident that we can double our efforts to meet renewable energy goals with the technical and financial assistance from international communities. In fighting climate change, our achievement is also yours.
GNLM
