Myanmar targets 17-fold rise in coal-fired power by 2030

• 8 years ago (2016-01-18)
• David Flin

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The southern part of Myanmar is being surveyed for new coal-fired power plants, in line with the country’s electricity generation master plan that will boost coal-fired capacity 17-fold by ratio by 2030.

Aye Min, Deputy Director for Thermal Power Planning, said that most hydropower projects were located in the north of the country, and that these projects were both time- and money-consuming, and require investment in the grid to transmit power to the south of the country. “Electricity demand will continue to rise annually, so we need more thermal power plants to meet the increasing demand. Thermal power output does not rely on seasonal and site conditions.”

Under the plan, by 2030, coal will generate 7940 MW, or 33 per cent of total installed capacity of 23,594 MW, up from its current 2 per cent at present from two coal-fired plants, one with 120 MW in Shan State, and the other with 8 MW in Tanintharyi Region.

Hydropower currently generates 69 per cent, which will fall to 38 per cent (8896 MW) by 2030. Natural gas currently generates 29 per cent, due to fall to 20 per cent (4725 MW), and renewable energy will account for 9 per cent (2000 MW)