Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Win Khaing participated in the 9th LNG Producer, Consumer Conference organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) via videoconferencing yesterday. During the online conference, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) Minister Mr Kajiyama Hiroshi and Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi delivered opening speeches. International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol delivered keynote speech.
Union Minister U Win Khaing said in his video message that Myanmar’s first 750-megawatt LNG-to-power plant was scheduled to open in Yangon Region in this year’s April, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused delay, and the plan began producing electricity only in September.
Myanmar’s current “generation mix” included hydropower (50 per cent) and natural gas (50 per cent), according to the Union Minister.
He said that global warming has an impact on hydropower plants, and Myanmar’s natural gas production decreased, so Myanmar is implementing LNG-to-power projects with the help of development partners and investors. Myanmar formed the LNG Task Force in order to efficiently implement the LNG-to-power projects. LNG, clean fuel, will enhance Myanmar’s energy security, according to the Union Minister, who said that the LNG projects will be able to provide required energy for industrial businesses and manufacturing businesses.
The Union Minister said that Myanmar’s strategic location and infrastructures, which have developed in these years, can offer opportunities for investors. Myanmar’s electrification coverage rate has now reached 54 per cent. The country has aimed to increase the coverage rate to 75 per cent in 2025. The Union Minister said that the virtual conference will promote cooperation between LNG manufacturers and users. The virtual conference was also participated by officials from Myanmar’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy and representatives from foreign nation. — MNA
(Translated by Maung Maung Swe)
