Does Myanmar have solar energy?

Levels vary widely across this geographically diverse Southeast Asian nation, but on the whole, Myanmar is endowed with an abundance of solar energy resource potential, an average solar irradiance of 4.5–5.1 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day (kWh/m2/day).

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.

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.

Who commissioned Myanmar's first commercial solar power plant?

State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in June 2018 officially commissioned the first, 50-MWdc/40-MWac, phase of Myanmar’s inaugural commercial solar power facility, the 220-MWdc/170-MWac, US$297 million Minbu Solar Power Plant.

How much electricity does Myanmar produce?

Myanmar is able to produce between 2.9 gigawatts (GW) and 3.1 GW of electricity, according to media sources. Recent estimates by the World Bank forecast energy consumption in Myanmar would grow at an average 11% rate out to 2030. The World Bank also forecast that peak electricity demand would rise to 8.6 GW by 2025 and 12.6 GW by 2030.

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.