War-torn Myanmar embraces solar to tackle power crisis

FILE PHOTO: An employee works on the production line for solar panels at a factory of GCL System Integration Technology in Hefei, Anhui province, China May 16, 2024. Chinese firms have helped fill the energy gap in Myanmar, supplying cheap solar panels. - China Daily via Reuters

YANGON: When Thailand cut power supply to Myanmar across its western border this year, it intended to curb online scam centres linked to regional networks trafficking hundreds of thousands of people.

However, the move also hit the wider community, pushing hospitals and some offices to install solar panels, said Zaw, a rescue worker in Myawaddy town just across the Thai border. Homes, too, made the switch.