Energy
From The Report: Myanmar 2016
View in Online Reader

Although it has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world, currently at about 30%, Myanmar is targeting total coverage by 2030. Despite the significant progress needed, the goal is seen as reachable, with Myanmar holding abundant hydro and solar resources, and considerable hydrocarbons potential. The country is also likely to be able to attract the capital to build the much needed generating infrastructure. While Myanmar needs to balance capacity challenges with transparency and environmental protection, it may be forced to make some strategic compromises in order for output to be increased on schedule. This chapter contains a dialogue with Ken Tun, CEO, Parami Energy Group; and Olivier de Langavant, Senior Vice-President Asia Pacific, Total E&P; and an interview with U Myint Zaw, Deputy Minister for Energy.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Balanced rollout: Meeting the demand for power must go hand-in-hand with adapting to the new political environment
OBG
plus

Although it has one of the lowest electrification rates in the world, currently at about 30%, Myanmar is targeting total coverage by 2030. Despite the significant progress needed, the goal is seen as reachable, with Myanmar holding abundant hydro and solar resources, and considerable hydrocarbons potential. The country is also likely to be able to attract the capital to build the much needed capacity. Since liberalisation began in 2011 Myanmar has transformed itself into an attractive investment…

Overview

Offshore potential: OBG talks to Ken Tun, CEO, Parami Energy Group; and Olivier de Langavant, Senior Vice-President Asia Pacific, Total E&P
OBG
plus

Interview: Ken Tun and Olivier De Langavant Myanmar’s deepwater acreage is expected to hold significant gas potential. Given recent oil prices, how would you assess the investment climate for large-scale energy projects? KEN TUN: Firstly, a recent US Energy Information Administration report suggested that the current oil price decline is not sustainable, and the government should not use this current price as a guideline for its energy master plan. Secondly, less than 30% of Myanmar’s offshore…

Analysis

Building blocks: Major oil and gas companies await the next round of bidding
OBG
plus

For decades, the Myanmar oil and gas story was fairly simple. The country had well-established onshore fields, with some regional participation, and a few offshore fields, with regional participation and some legacy participation by international majors. Production was significant given the isolation of the country, and oil and gas was vital to Myanmar as a source of hard currency. Due to economic sanctions, however, development remained far below potential as major international players were all…

Interview

Drafting the blueprint: OBG talks to U Myint Zaw, Deputy Minister for Energy
OBG
plus

Interview: U Myint Zaw In light of the impending formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), what role will Myanmar play in the energy security of the region? U MYINT ZAW: As an ASEAN member state, we are trying to align with the ultimate goal of establishing the ASEAN Free Trade Area by 2015 under the umbrella of the AEC. We realise that energy security is essential to the long-term development of the AEC. The collective efforts of all members are needed to ensure the region’s energy security.…

Analysis

Much to think about: Coal power is an enticing option due to its low cost and ability to rapidly bring generating capacity on-line
OBG
plus

In 2010, a total of 11 coal-fired plant deals were signed by the Ministry of Electric Power. However, due to opposition for a variety of reasons, very little capacity has been built. From an economic standpoint, there is the position that the country is so in need of electricity that it must make compromises and accept a certain level of pollution and population displacement to close the gap. Nonetheless, the calculation is a delicate one, and the authorities are going to have to be careful in the…

Analysis

Chinese role: With competition growing and expectations rising, Beijing has begun to re-evaluate its position in Myanmar
OBG
plus

China has long been a significant player in Myanmar’s energy sector. Before recent political reforms, Western sanctions made the country of particular interest to China, which was willing to finance and build projects that companies of the West and Japan could not. Chinese companies also saw Myanmar as an attractive investment, owing to its rich and diverse natural resources, geopolitical importance and potential as a source of electricity. As China boomed and the West isolated Myanmar, heavy participation…