Myanmar is planning the construction of seven new power plants to meet increasing energy demand.
The country's minister for electric power has told parliament that the plants would burn coal or natural gas and would be built in the Yangon and Ayeyawady regions.
Myanmar is facing a rapid rise in its electricity demand growth, driven largely by growth in the industrial sector, and is drafting an electricity master plan in conjunction with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It currently has one of the lowest rates of electricity consumption in Asia.
The ministry of electricity has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Virtue Land Company for the construction of a coal fired power plant in Kwanchangone, and one with Than Phyo Thu Company for a new plant in southern Myeik region.
The government has also entered into a joint venture with Huaneng Lancang and Htoo companies to build a 270 MW coal plant in Htantabin, Yangon region.
Feasibility studies are currently taking place in Thilawa, Kyauktan, Ngayokekaung, Kalewa, Kengtung and Bokepyin.
The government says that coal and gas will account of 67 per cent of electricity generation by 2030, a factor that has drawn criticism from environmentalists.
Sian Crampsie
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