Myanmar not on track to renewable energy: civil societies

Myanmar not on track to renewable energy: civil societies

MYANMAR has been focusing on coal and large hydropower projects and is not
on track to develop renewable energy sources, local and international civil
societies said in a recent statement.

A file photo of a solar panel installed on a building. The use of renewable
energy is yet to gain momentum in the country. Photo - Myanmar TimesA file
photo of a solar panel installed on a building. The use of renewable energy
is yet to gain momentum in the country. Photo - Myanmar Times

These projects can cause climate change and adversely affect health,
biodiversity and local livelihoods, the organisations said.

Senior government officials recently started talks on producing power from
coal, and some coal power projects are being planned in some regions and
states.

According to the officials of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, the
country's goal is to produce 30pc of its power from coal by 2030.

"The National League for Democracy should encourage renewable energy as an
important part of the nation's economy as laid out in its election
manifesto.

"If the government really wants to be one with the people, they must prove
their willingness to listen to the worries of the people before making
decisions about energy development and national grid expansion," Myanmar
Renewable Energy Association chair U Aung Myint said.

Producing 10pc of the country's power from renewable energy by 2030 is not
enough and may lead to natural disasters, social conflicts and environmental
damage, the groups said.

If Myanmar expects to provide sustainable energy without contributing to
climate change, fossil fuels and large hydropower projects should not be
considered, Hanna Hindstrom, campaign coordinator for EarthRights
International, said.

Other points made by the statement:

. public participation is essential for a power distribution strategy that
fulfills the requirements of the people;

. environmental-impact assessments with public participation are required
for systematic implementation;

. if short-term and costly fossil fuel energy projects are considered,
Myanmar people and the environment will suffer damage, as will the image of
Myanmar as a net emission reducer in carbon capture and storage.

The ministry is revising Myanmar's energy policy and comments have been
sought from regions and state governments.

"Myanmar needs broad participation and openness regarding its energy policy.
All stakeholders must be included, and it is also required to end
closed-door bargaining or top-down decision-making," Micro Kreibich of the
Heinrich Boll Foundation said.

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Link to Original Article:
http://www.mmtimes.com/index.php/national-news/26827-myanmar-not-on-track-to
-renewable-energy-civil-societies.html

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com