Electricity in Myanmar (Burma) in 2023

In 2023, Myanmar's electricity generation is dominated by low-carbon energy, primarily hydropower, which accounts for nearly 10 TWh of production. More than half of the country's electricity comes from these clean sources. Fossil fuels, mainly gas, contribute approximately 8 TWh, which is close to half of the overall production. Despite this reliance on low-carbon energy, Myanmar's total electricity generation is a fraction of the global average, which is more than eight times higher at about 3638 watts per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can hinder economic growth, limit technological advancements, and restrict improvements in quality of life, as access to reliable electricity is crucial for development.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Myanmar can explore solar and wind technology, learning from countries like China and India, which have significantly boosted their low-carbon capacities. China's massive 1003 TWh wind and 710 TWh solar production showcases the potential of harnessing natural resources to scale up clean energy. Similarly, India's focus on solar and wind has yielded 128 TWh and 91 TWh respectively. Emulating these countries' strategies, Myanmar can invest in solar farms and wind turbines, taking advantage of its geographic location and climate conditions. Additionally, exploring small-scale and distributed renewable projects can provide decentralized solutions that are accessible to rural areas, further enhancing the country's energy resilience.

History

Historically, Myanmar's low-carbon electricity generation has grown steadily, mainly through hydropower developments. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the country saw modest increases, with notable boosts of around 1 TWh during several years in the 2000s and 2010s. However, significant declines in 2019 and 2020 of 1.7 TWh each indicate challenges in sustaining growth. Despite these setbacks, Myanmar managed to recover slightly in 2021 with a 0.7 TWh increase. Overall, the country's reliance on hydropower has seen fluctuating growth, emphasizing the need for diversifying low-carbon sources to ensure a stable and sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources