As of 2024, Myanmar's electricity consumption is still largely dependent on fossil fuels, with over half of its electricity—about 61%—being generated from these sources. Gas is the predominant fossil fuel, providing around 51% of the total electricity. Although fossil fuels dominate, low-carbon energy sources play a significant role, contributing nearly 39% of the electricity. The vast majority of this low-carbon electricity comes from hydropower, which accounts for approximately 38% of the total. Other low-carbon sources like biofuels contribute much less, with almost negligible shares. It's evident that Myanmar's reliance on high-emission energy sources presents potential challenges for sustainability and climate goals.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Myanmar (Burma)?
However, recent trends in Myanmar's electricity consumption are concerning. As of 2024, the per capita consumption has slightly decreased compared to the previous year, falling to 464 kWh per person from a record high of 475 kWh per person in 2023. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has significantly decreased since a peak in 2018 when it was 270 kWh per person, now sitting at just 182 kWh. This decline in clean energy usage along with the inconsistency in overall electricity consumption signals a need for strategic intervention to boost sustainable growth in electricity generation.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Myanmar can learn from regions that have effectively harnessed solar and nuclear power. Countries like France and Slovakia are exemplary for utilizing nuclear power, contributing to 70% and 66% of their electricity, respectively. Meanwhile, solar power has been successfully implemented in places like Nevada, where it accounts for 33% of electricity generation. Myanmar can also look towards Denmark, which generates 58% of its electricity from wind power. Emulating such models, investing in solar and nuclear infrastructure, along with exploiting the natural potential for wind, can aid Myanmar in reducing its dependency on fossil fuels and advancing its energy sector toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Myanmar, particularly hydropower, has been marked by fluctuations over the years. While the early 2000s saw steady increases, with notable increments in 2000 and 2009, a significant rise occurred in the 2010s culminating in a major increase of 2.8 TWh in 2017. Unfortunately, the following years witnessed a downturn, with significant declines in 2019 and 2020. Despite the brief recoveries in 2021 and 2023, below-average growth and occasional setbacks have characterized Myanmar's journey in this period. Moving forward, a renewed focus on expanding sustainable energy sources is essential to achieve energy security and environmental goals in the face of a dynamic global energy landscape.
