ELECTRICITY and Energy Development Commission Chairman and Union Minister at the Ministry 1 of the President’s Office U Tin Aung San presided over the fifth coordination meeting of the commission yesterday.
Speaking at the occasion, the Union minister highlighted the intention of the meeting, activities of the commission within the formation period, implementation of 15 major objectives and the need to support the state economy by offering opportunities and incentives based on policies set by the government.
He continued that to fully meet the country’s electricity demand, efforts must be made to generate power from all available sources. Since the formation of the commission up to the present, progress in electricity generation includes the connection of the new solar power plant, Thazi 40-megawatt, to the national grid. The Thabyaywa 40-megawatt plant will also be connected in early March. Moreover, the 500-megawatt LNG project, implemented to supply electricity within a short timeframe, began commercial power generation on 14 January 2026.
The hydropower, a clean and renewable energy source with relatively low production costs, should be further developed through the implementation of large-scale hydropower projects to meet the country’s future electricity demand. In carrying out such projects, they must comply not only with laws, rules, regulations, procedures, standards, and criteria, but also with internationally recognized standards. The commission also needs to make efforts to ensure better land and water resources, improve socio-economic status, sustainable use, support the regional development, enhance water transport, reduce flooding risks and create opportunities for environmentally based river tourism development.
In the energy sector, pilot projects using AI technology to increase natural gas production from thin sand layers have already commenced. In older oil fields, joint ventures with private entrepreneurs are being implemented under a “Well by Well Basic” system, with agreements signed and operations underway. Two-dimensional seismic surveys have been completed in Kyaiklat Township of Ayeyawady Region and in Twantay and Kungyangon townships of Yangon Region, and further processes for exploration and production are ongoing. A Production Sharing Contract has been signed for the M-10 offshore block (Min Ye Thu Project) in the Gulf of Mottama.
He added that Phase I of the new refinery project at No 1 Refinery (Thanlyin) is expected to begin operations soon, marking the first refinery to be opened since the Thanbayakan refinery, which was last inaugurated in 1982. All are urged to implement new offshore projects, which are crucial for the future energy sector, within the designated timeframe.
Vice-Chairman 1 Union Minister for Electric Power U Nyan Tun and Vice-Chairman 2 Union Minister for Energy U Ko Ko Lwin reported on ongoing electricity and energy development measures, renewable energy and ongoing work plans.
The commission secretary, joint secretary and members discussed the development of the electric power and energy sectors.
After hearing the reports, the Union minister emphasized that electricity and energy are key driving forces for national socio-economic development. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it is essential to ensure an adequate and reliable energy supply. For both developed and developing countries, energy security is a priority to guarantee sufficiency and long-term stability. As Myanmar is rich in renewable energy resources such as hydropower, wind, and solar energy, there should be systematic use of these sources to meet the country’s electricity and energy needs. The electricity and energy sectors are the ones with huge technology and investment, and so laws, rules and regulations should be set for the interests of both the country and investors. — MNA/ KTZH
