Can solar power improve Myanmar's development?

Myanmar is moving to exploit solar and wind energy, but experts said such attempts must be stepped up to smoothen the country’s development. Soe Soe Ohn, director of the national electrification project at the Rural Development Department, said solar energy offered high potential particularly in rural electrification.

Should Myanmar invest in solar energy?

Myanmar still lacks regulations on renewable energy while local firms have limited experience with complex systems, which together constrain the solar system’s potential. Tax incentives including exemptions on import duty and commercial sales tax for equipment as well as power purchase agreements should be adopted.

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.

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.

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.

What are photovoltaics used for in Myanmar?

In rural areas of Myanmar, photovoltaics are used for charging batteries and pumping water. Approximately 70% of Myanmar's population of 50 million live in rural areas. Myanmar opened its first solar power plant in Minbu, Magway Division, in November 2018.