THE Mandalay Region government is prepared to provide the necessary support for the swift implementation of the Popa wind power project in line with State policies, through collaborative efforts between Russia and Myanmar, said Chief Minister U Myo Aung of Mandalay Region.
The chief minister said so at a ceremony to clarify facts about the project by officials to implement the Popa 200-megawatt wind power project in Kyaukpadaung Township of Mandalay Region. The ceremony took place at the meeting hall of the Mandalay Region government office on 14 January.
Rosatom Renewable Energy of Russia and Myanmar citizen-owned Zeya & Associates will jointly implement the project.
At the ceremony, Z & A Company officials explained the project purpose, the project land plots, findings from the ground survey, and facts about the project.
In his speech, the regional chief minister revealed that the government strives to meet electricity demands through renewable energy sources, including this wind power project. He mentioned that the Ministry of Electric Power has signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to implement wind power projects, which are currently undergoing feasibility studies. The Popa 200-megawatt wind power project is one of these MoU projects.
Russia’s Rosatom has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Myanmar’s Ministry of Electric Power for three wind power projects to generate electricity. These projects include the 116-megawatt wind power project in Minhla of Magway Region, the 56-megawatt project in Mindon of Magway Region, and the 200-megawatt project in Popa of Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay Region.
The country uses natural gas in thermal power plants to generate electricity, accounting for some percentage of production. However, due to a decrease in the availability of natural gas, approximately 291 megawatts have been reduced. At present, an average of 2,200 megawatts of electricity can be generated daily, with a supply of only about 50 per cent of the total production capacity.
Currently, electricity is being supplied to Yangon Region at 48 per cent, Mandalay Region at 17 per cent and the remaining regions and states including Nay Pyi Taw at 35 per cent.
According to the announcement released on 6 January 2025, due to the destruction of 14 major power transmission lines — 230 kV and 132 kV — from power plants, electricity generation has decreased by 1,009 megawatts. — Htun Htun/TTA
