Analysis on the characteristics of energy mix in Myanmar

Abstract

Energy has been a key factor in economic development. Myanmar has considerable indigenous energy potential, which could meet domestic demand in long term if properly managed. This paper documents the current status of energy demand and supply in Myanmar, and analyses the characteristics of energy mix, and concludes that (1) Myanmar is confronted with a pressing energy demand with the rapid development of economy; (2) Myanmar’s energy production mix is dominated by oil, gas and hydropower, and the consumption structure is dominated by biomass; (3) the shortage of energy is mostly due to its unbalanced energy mix and irrational notion for energy utilization. In order to solve the serious problems between energy demand and supply, it is necessary for Myanmar to build more responsible hydropower projects, to optimize the national grid and to make more reliable and practicable energy plans.