Does Myanmar have a potential for solar energy?

“Myanmar has an incredible potential for solar energy, but the government still has a lot of work to do to unleash the potential and to attract foreign direct investments into Myanmar´s solar industry,” noted Stefano Mantellassi, Chair of the SolarPower Europe Emerging Markets Taskforce.

Is solar energy gaining traction in Myanmar?

Solar energy is just beginning to gain some traction in Myanmar, a country that has been gradually opening up its economy and society to the world since 2011.

Is Myanmar a good country for generating electricity?

Renewable energy, in the form of large-scale hydroelectric power, already accounts for around 60%, the single largest share, of Myanmar’s electricity generation mix. The country also has an abundance of natural gas, an important export and the source of hard, foreign currency export revenues, as well as domestic power generation.

Can solar power help a disadvantaged population in Myanmar?

“Moreover, solar can help ensure a just energy transition for citizens affected by energy poverty...Furthermore, 75–85% of Myanmar’s population of lives within a 25–50-kilometer radius of high voltage power lines, which makes for ideal locations to develop medium- and large-scale solar projects,” they noted.

What role does solar play in Myanmar's Green Energy Plan?

“To meet the target, solar system plays a key role,” she said at the Myanmar Green Energy Summit last week. Under phase 1 of the national energy plan 2016-21, 461,000 households in Sagaing, Ayeyarwady and Thanintharyi regions as well as Kayin, Chin, Rakhine and Shan states will be electrified by solar systems.

Where is Myanmar's first solar power plant located?

Myanmar's first solar power plant is located in Minbu, Magway Division. The plant produced 40 megawatts (MW) of electricity in its first phase of operations and will produce 170 MW once fully operational.