Myanmar Energy Master Plan Launched

On Friday, 8 January 2016, Myanmar’s National Energy Management Committee (NEMC) launched the Myanmar Energy Master Plan in Naypyitaw. The NEMC is the Myanmar government’s minister-level energy policy coordination body, functioning under the patronage of the Vice President. The NEMC’s Energy Master Plan Formulation Processes began in 2014 through Technical Assistance provided by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and administered by the Asian Development Bank.
According to the NEMC, the Energy Master Plan “provides the supply strategies through viable energy mix scenarios to secure the stable and reliable energy supply in the long term view.  Moreover, this master plan is developed to ensure the efficient use of energy resources, to create effective investment environment, to employ innovative technologies and to minimize the environment and social impacts.”
The Energy Master Plan includes a projection for 2030 electricity mix showing a drastically different picture from the 2012 baseline. Hydropower is projected to decrease from almost 70% in 2012 to 57% in 2030 and natural gas from 28% to 8%. This projection also shows a modest increase in solar PV from 0% in 2012 to 5% in 2030, and a significant increase in coal from 2% to almost 30%.
In addition to supply and demand forecasts, the report includes the following recommendations for the Myanmar government to attract private investment in Myanmar’s energy sector:
  • Ensure legal and regulatory frameworks are in place to meet international standards;
  • Develop consultative mechanisms with civil society and environmental groups to transparently monitor and report compliance with environmental standards; and
  • Explore opportunities for local residents to share benefits of energy developments (particularly large hydropower projects and natural gas pipelines).
To improve effectiveness of energy planning in government, the report also suggests the NEMC establish an “Integrated Energy Planning” process with permanent staff to support the NEMC in developing energy policies and pathways.
While pending parliamentary approval, the report – more than 900 pages in total – is available for download here.