Research on development and utilization of hydropower in Myanmar

Abstract

Hydropower contributes a lot to electricity generation. Myanmar has enormous potential for water resources which can guarantee domestic electricity supply and export surplus power to neighbouring countries. This paper analyses the status-quo of water resources and obstacles of Myanmar’s hydropower development, and concludes that: (1) Myanmar harbours great potential for hydropower development and utilization; (2) the spatial distribution of hydropower stations and the supply of electricity are unbalanced; (3) main obstacles for hydropower development and utilization include weak governance over water resources, lack of fund and technology, natural disasters and environmentalism resistance. To achieve full electrification in 2030, it is essential for Myanmar to promote the construction of both small-scale and responsible large-scale hydropower stations.

Keywords

• Hydropower development and utilization
• Obstacles
• Prospects
• Myanmar