Does Myanmar have a power supply gap?

Myanmar’s power sector will likely continue to experience significant challenges. To sustain the current level of power supply would require adding 300-500 MW every year until 2030. Scenario analysis on the power supply–demand gap illustrates that available generating capacity is projected to not meet the growing demand.

How can Myanmar improve its power system?

Rebuilding Myanmar’s power system will require establishing trust to develop the power sector. Developing solar PV can add incremental generating capacity in a relatively fast manner.

Can power trade and imports help ease power shortages in Myanmar?

While power trade and imports could help ease the electricity supply shortages, it remains challenging under the current political circumstance in Myanmar. Myanmar’s power sector continues to record losses due to a combination of several factors, including currency depreciation, increasing grid maintenance cost, and revenue decline.

How will Power outages affect Myanmar's garment industry?

Most industry, factory, and commercial buildings use their own diesel generators for operations during power outages. These outages negatively impact the competitiveness of the low-margin garment industry that dominates the country’s manufactured goods exports. Myanmar’s power sector will likely continue to experience significant challenges.

How much power does Myanmar have in 2021?

Myanmar’s maximum efective generating capacity dropped by 1,047 MW within 10 months of its May 2021 peak (Figure 11). Available capacity in the dry season has dropped from 3,500-4,000 MW to 2,400-3,000 MW.

How much power does Myanmar have in 2023?

In the first quarter of 2023, that figure remained in the range of 2,400-2,800 MW. Monthly maximum load has significantly declined since early 2021. Myanmar’s maximum efective generating capacity dropped by 1,047 MW within 10 months of its May 2021 peak (Figure 11).