UMFCCI, MIA Hold Meeting on Electricity and Energy Sector

Nay Pyi Taw,24-2-2018

       THE Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce (UMFCCI) and the Myanmar Industries Association(MIA)held a coordination meeting on the electricity and energy sector yesterday in UMFCCI, Yangon.                                  

        H.E.Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Win Khaing said the current electricity production of 3,000 MW was slated to be increased by another 3,000 MW in three years. Many years have passed without the adequate supply of electricity, and thus, plans were underway to increase its production.

        Together with this plan, the construction of a new electricity distribution system of 500kV was also in the pipeline. The construction works will not depend on the country's funds, and will be borne by the private sector.

        As the natural gas production in the country will decline in 2021, it was decided to increase the electricity production to 6,000MW. On the other hand, the country had many resources for hydro power electricity production.

        According to an MOU signed in the past, there was an installation capacity of 48,000MW, but it was unable to be implemented in practice.

        Plans were underway to systematically conduct hydro-electric production, which has the least effect on the natural environment and the society. It is important to notice the obstacles that occur when working towards the development of the country. Short- term arrangements to identify a link area for providing electricity to the whole country and for household and SME usage were being conducted.

        A strategic master plan on simultaneously improving electric power and road communication was also being made. The 2020 plan and 2025 plan for the two sectors were being submitted to the government.

        Electricity required in industrial zones will be supplied phase-by-phase and discussions following the meeting will be coordinated, said the Union Minister. Grid extension of the power lines was being done in order to provide electricity to 60 per cent of the rural population.

        Mini and micro hydro and tidal plans were also being coordinated and worked on with related ministries.

        The main electricity requirement was for 40 per cent of the country, which is heavily populated, has many industries and are economic regions where local and foreign investments can enter. Thus priority was given to such regions so that electricity can be distributed.

        Next, UMFCCI President U Zaw Min Win and MIA Chair-man Dr. Aung Thein discussed electricity and energy requirements, while officials from the electricity and energy committees of UMFCCI and MIA and officials of industrial zones discussed investments in the electricity sector and electricity and energy requirements. Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy Dr. Tun Naing provided  an additional explanation on the ministry's arrangement  for fulfilling electricity usage and the requirement of each industrial zone.

        The Union Minister remarked and commented on the discussion, it is learnt.