Linn Maung
Energy prices in Myanmar have increased significantly since the coup, whether it be for power, gas, or petroleum. The government banks were subjected to sanctions imposed by western nations, which led to a currency crisis and had an effect on the economy as a whole. Myanmar requires significant investments in infrastructure development and energy production to get out of the crisis. Around 40% of energy is produced by hydropower, although pandemics and coups have halted this growth.
As more generation facilities are progressively put into service, hydropower will become more significant, but there is an urgent need to investigate coal, gas, and other renewable options. By 2030, Myanmar’s emissions must be reduced from 300 million tonnes to 145 million tonnes, and this can be achieved by increasing the percentage of renewable energy (solar and wind) to 54% and reducing coal use by 74%. Due to the country’s distinct dry and wet seasonal patterns, there are considerable issues with regard to the provision of power.
South Asia enters ASEAN through Myanmar. Myanmar might have access to a steady supply of electricity if the India-Myanmar electricity grid connection were strengthened and it gained access to the sizable Indian power market. This will enable the nation to use resources and launch the larger South Asia-ASEAN power Grid integration project.
Currently, an 11 kV line connecting Moreh (India) and Tamu (Myanmar) transports 3-5 MW of electricity between the two nations. Other potential low-capacity electrical grid linkages include those between Nampong (District Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh, India) and Pangsau( NSAZ, Myanmar), Behang (Churachandpur District-Manipur, India) and Chikha (Myanmar), and Zokhawthar (Champhai District-Mizoram, India) and Rikhawdar (Myanmar). Imphal-Tamu 400kV DC line and 2×500 MW HVDC Back-to-Back at Tamu (Myanmar) high-capacity grid connectivity between India and Myanmar is being explored.
A few approaches to ensuring energy security include grid interconnection with neighbouring nations, grid expansion, access to neighbouring nations’ power markets, improved regional energy cooperation, sustainable hydropower development, and other renewable energy sources.These approaches can be used to address the country’s energy sector’s issues and difficulties while ensuring that the people of Myanmar have access to inexpensive, dependable, and sustainable electrical supply.
Despite the existence of power producing sources, the energy crises in Sagaing, Magwe, Chin, and Rakhine are more severe. China recently took measures to establish solar projects in Central Mandalay and a gas-operated facility in Rakhine, but experts think the country is investing in Myanmar’s power industry primarily to advance its CMEC projects, which have stalled.
#MeKongNews
