How can Myanmar improve its power system?

Rebuilding Myanmar’s power system will require establishing trust to develop the power sector. Developing solar PV can add incremental generating capacity in a relatively fast manner.

What is happening in Myanmar's power sector?

Myanmar’s power sector has been severely afected by the ongoing political turmoil. The power sector has been spiralling downward since 2021 with prolonged electricity blackouts throughout the country. Electricity generation has been declining, resulting in a widening power supply–demand gap.

Does Myanmar import LNG?

Myanmar has not imported LNG since mid-2021. The LNG floating storage unit, which had been moored at Thilawa port since November 2020, left the country in March 2023. To maximize total daily power supply, electricity generation was ramped up from hydropower plants to compensate for lower electricity generation from gas-fired power plants.

Can power trade and imports help ease power shortages in Myanmar?

While power trade and imports could help ease the electricity supply shortages, it remains challenging under the current political circumstance in Myanmar. Myanmar’s power sector continues to record losses due to a combination of several factors, including currency depreciation, increasing grid maintenance cost, and revenue decline.

Who manages Myanmar's energy sector?

Myanmar’s energy sector is managed by the Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) and the Ministry of Energy (MOE), which together account for over one-third of public sector revenue. Before May 2022, the two ministries operated under one single Ministry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE).

Does Myanmar have a power supply gap?

Myanmar’s power sector will likely continue to experience significant challenges. To sustain the current level of power supply would require adding 300-500 MW every year until 2030. Scenario analysis on the power supply–demand gap illustrates that available generating capacity is projected to not meet the growing demand.