YANGON-Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, factories have shut down in China and Chinese experts have stopped coming, causing delays to hydropower projects, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy.

Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy Khin Maung Win inspected construction of 151-MW power plant in Ahlon Township, Yangon, on March 1st, instructing to complete timely construction of the project to meet schedule, to increase power generation, to meet the set standard of the project, to install the equipments for the early arrival of the equipments and practice worksite safety.

He also laid down the plans to cope with delays as the factories in China were closed and the experts cannot travel to Myanmar due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Later, the deputy minister and party proceeded to the implementation of 350-MW LNG to Power Thilawa Plant in Kyauktan Township, Yangon Region. They observed the installation of Regasification Unit, 40% completion of jetty construction, linking of gas pipe lines and construction of seven 230-KV pylons.

With the aim to support the power consumption within Summer, plans were underway to generate over 1000-MW electricity from newly seven power plant projects in Magway, Shwe Taung, Kyunchaung, Ahlon, Kyaukphyu, Thanlyin and Tharkayta Townships, according to the Ministry of Electricity and Energy.