IFC launches hydropower drive in Myanmar

IFC launches hydropower drive in Myanmar

The International Finance Corporation is working to boost to deployment of
hydropower plants in Myanmar.

It has launched the Hydropower Developers' Working Group in the country in a
bid to engage the private sector in the adoption of hydropower.

"The facts cannot be ignoIFC launches hydropower drive in Myanmarred -
around 34 million people still do not have access to electricity," said
Vikram Kumar, IFC Country Manager for Myanmar. "Hydropower, if done
sustainably, could help people improve their daily lives throughout the
country."

The Washington-headquartered IFC states that with extensive river systems
running throughout the country, hydropower has the potential to be an
important source for electricity.

"With the multitude of potential environmental and social impacts that often
plague hydropower projects, the IFC recognizes that the private sector would
benefit from coordinated activities and to be provided with the tools and
approaches to ensure development is based on good industry practices and
international standards."

Aung Zaw Naing, president of the working group, said that "it can be
challenging for companies searching for information or seeking to build
relationships with government authorities and stakeholders".

He added that the working group was "an opportunity for the private sector
to make an impact. We encourage all hydropower companies that want to
improve environmental and social standards in Myanmar and their business
operations to join our initiative."

Kate Lazarus, team leader for the IFC's hydro advisory programme, added that
"there's a growing interest among hydropower developers to establish the
working group in Nepal and Pakistan too".

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Ref:
http://www.powerengineeringint.com/articles/2016/09/ifc-launches-hydropower-
drive-in-myanmar.html?cmpid=enl_PEI_Digest_2016-09-13&eid=287675795&bid=1525
025

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com