Energy in Myanmar

Most of the country's rural population relies on biomass, such as wood, as their primary energy source.

Hydropower potential is estimated for a generation capacity of 140 TWh annually, though future developments are mainly planned for export.

However, infrastructure like the Sino-Myanmar pipelines has also become a geopolitical focal point for the country's internal conflicts.

[3] Myanmar’s energy consumption per capita is one of the lowest in Southeast Asia due to the low electrification rate and a widespread poverty.

[9] The electrification rate is especially low in rural villages, which are mainly not connected to the power grid.

[6] Installed hydropower capacity as of 2011 was 1.54 GW with a total generation of 3.9 TWh, there is, therefore, a substantial opportunity for further growth of this energy source.

[6] The Shweli 1 hydroelectric power plant, with a capacity of 600 megawatts (MW), started operation in 2008.

The country plans to build two more solar power plants Mandalay Division, each to have a generation capacity of 150 MW.

[17] Energy subsidies for electricity and lacking tax policy, lack of qualified workforce and limited public administration capacity are viewed to be among the main obstacles complicating development of solar energy in Myanmar.

[18] Another study identified three major barriers to promoting solar energy in Myanmar: weak renewable energy governance, lacking clear regulatory mechanisms, and the complicated investment climate for international investors.

[19] On 18 May 2020, the Ministry of Electricity and Energy issued an invitation to submit prequalifying bids for the construction of several solar plants throughout the country, with a combined capacity of 1060 MW.

[23] Rakhine State, Tanintharyi and Ayeyarwady regions have been identified as sites with strong wind power potential.