THE development of electric power is a fundamental pillar of national growth and economic prosperity. Electricity is essential for economic advancement and improving the population’s living standards in line with progress. Consequently, the average per capita electricity consumption in a country is a key indicator of both its economic development and the standard of living of its citizens.
Myanmar is rich in natural resources and has the potential to generate sufficient electricity. However, two main issues contribute to the current shortage: electricity production remains below demand, and the transmission and distribution systems are inadequate. Despite its capacity for power generation, challenges in these sectors continue to cause a lack of reliable electricity.
In Myanmar, the abundance of water resources means that most of the country’s electricity comes from hydropower plants. Natural gas power plants are the second-largest source of electricity. Only a small number of facilities use coal or other sources for power generation. In developed countries, the annual per capita electricity production in kilowatts is high, while in developing countries like Myanmar, per capita electricity consumption remains low.
Countries around the world prioritize building hydroelectric power projects in regions with abundant water resources. This strategy helps conserve other natural energy sources, such as coal and oil, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions and minimizing environmental damage from electricity generation. Developed nations, in particular, are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, and solar power.
Myanmar, a country rich in natural resources, is actively renovating, upgrading, and constructing hydroelectric power plants. In addition, it is enhancing the development of natural energy projects and striving to expand the production of renewable solar energy. Solar energy initiatives have been implemented since earlier times and now play a significant role in electricity distribution. To further expand the use of solar energy, cooperation is essential at all levels, from individual households to large-scale producers.
Several solar power plants have been constructed and are currently generating electricity in Thazi Township of Mandalay Region as a reliable source to generate electricity. Currently, as generating electricity in Myanmar has declined due to various factors, entire people, including relevant departmental personnel, have to make utmost efforts to repair and reconstruct power generation facilities, which have since been restored to 80 per cent of production capacity that is currently supplied to the national grid. Continued efforts are essential to further improve socioeconomic conditions.
