NAYPYITAW: Union Minister for Electricity and Energy Ko Ko Lwin said the ministry is working to determine the most appropriate power generation mix based on Myanmar’s domestic electricity and energy resources, as he addressed a workshop on expanding the role of solar power in the country’s electricity supply at Horizon Lake View Resort in Naypyitaw on July 15.
The Union Minister emphasised that reliable access to electricity is essential for national development and the socio-economic well-being of the people. He noted that Myanmar’s electricity generation currently depends largely on hydropower and natural gas, while climate change has affected hydropower production and volatility in global energy prices has created long-term energy security challenges. In response, the ministry is calculating an optimal energy mix that best utilises the country’s available resources.
He said the ministry is promoting solar energy through two approaches: integrating solar power into the national grid at an appropriate level, taking advantage of Myanmar’s favourable geographical conditions and the relatively short construction period for solar projects, and expanding the use of solar home systems on an individual and community basis.
He added that the workshop would help identify practical solutions to technical and management challenges, enabling the rapid implementation of effective solar energy projects and the efficient use of solar power systems.
Following the opening session, presenters and panelists delivered technical presentations on their respective topics, while participants raised questions and exchanged views. Experts and specialists also held a panel discussion under the theme, “Accelerating Solar Energy Development in Myanmar While Maintaining the Stability and Reliability of the Power System.”
In his concluding remarks, Ko Ko Lwin said Myanmar could move toward an energy-secure and greener future by fully harnessing its abundant solar energy resources for electricity generation.
The workshop was attended by Union Advisory Council member Ko Ko Hlaing, deputy ministers, heads of departments and state-owned enterprises under the ministry, experts from the Myanmar Engineering Council, the Federation of Myanmar Engineering Societies, and the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, officials from other government agencies, representatives of domestic and international partner companies, invited guests and other interested participants. A total of 475 people took part in the discussions. - Eleven Media/ANN
