Ministry of Electricity and Energy is implementing seven new power projects in order to generate an additional 1,000 MW, said Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy Khin Maung Win, at a ceremony to open the 66-MW gas-fired power plant in Magway Township in Magway Region.
In the summer of 2019, the power plant generated up to 1,980 MW in maximum. In the coming summer, the country’s highest power consumption is expected to reach around 5,000 MW.
The under-implementation projects are 66-MW in Magway, 150 MW in Kyaukphyu, 400 MW in Thaketa, 350 MW in Thilawa, 20.5 MW in Kyunchaung, 151 MW in Ahlone and 28 MW in Shwetaung.
The seven projects will have an installed capacity of 1,166 MW. The 66-MW power plant in Magway started its commercial operation on December 13.
In the time of the incumbent government, from April 2016 to September 2019, the ministry produced 904 MW, installed 19,611 mile-long power grids and built power plants with 12,635 MVA, said Union Minister for Electricity and Energy Win Khaing.
During three and a half years, the ministry electrified 72 towns and 6,038 villages. The number of those who have access to the national power grid has increased from 34 per cent in 2016 to 50.9 per cent.
The country’s power demand is increasing at a rate of around 19 per cent every year. Currently, the power production increased by between 300 to 500 MW a year. The ministry can fully satisfy the country’s power demands only when it takes short-and long-term measures, the minister added.
