Thailand's power outage impacts Myanmar, photovoltaic+energy storage breakthrough?

Energy crisis escalates, photovoltaic becomes a breakthrough option

Recently, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Putan announced that power will be cut off in the Myanmar region along the Thai Myanmar border, and emphasized that those who fail to implement it will be transferred. This decision sparked in-depth discussions within the Thai government and was supervised by the National Security Council under the direction of Prime Minister Patton Tan.

Myanmar's severe power shortage problem

According to World Bank data for 2023, Myanmar's national electrification rate is only 51%, with rural areas accounting for less than 20%. About 24 million people (45% of the total population) in the country are unable to access stable electricity, and some areas still cannot even use modern lighting.

The actual electricity demand in Myanmar is about 4500-5000MW, but the power generation capacity is only 3000-3500MW, with a gap of up to 30% -40%. The capital Yangon, Naypyidaw and other areas experience daily power outages of 6-10 hours, with rural areas even experiencing power outages exceeding 12 hours. In addition, Myanmar heavily relies on hydropower, accounting for 48% of total electricity generation. However, due to the influence of monsoons, electricity generation during the dry season decreases by 30% -50%.

The potential of photovoltaics is enormous, and the market still needs to be developed

Myanmar is located in the tropics, with an average annual sunshine duration of 2000-2500 hours. It has abundant solar energy resources, and the theoretical installed capacity of photovoltaics can reach 500GW, which is 125 times the current electricity demand in the country. However, photovoltaic power generation accounts for less than 1% and is still a blank market.

Despite the military government's introduction of the Renewable Energy Law (Amendment) in 2021, which allows foreign-owned construction of photovoltaic projects and provides land leasing incentives, the development of the photovoltaic industry remains slow due to outdated infrastructure, low grid coverage, and high energy storage costs ($200/kWh). In addition, factors such as political turmoil and foreign exchange controls have increased the risk of foreign companies entering the Myanmar market.

Thailand's power outage impact brings opportunities for energy storage

The power outage in Thailand directly affects Myanmar's industrial areas and people's livelihoods, prompting Myanmar to accelerate its energy structure adjustment. At present, the Myanmar government has promoted 11 hybrid and photovoltaic power generation projects with a total installed capacity of 1026MW, including 9 pure photovoltaic power stations and 2 gas and photovoltaic combined systems.

For Myanmar, which faces severe energy shortages and high dependence on external electricity, photovoltaic+energy storage will become a feasible solution. Especially distributed photovoltaic systems, such as rooftop power stations and off grid microgrids, have begun to fill the power gap in rural areas. For example, off grid photovoltaic projects in Rakhine State have supplied power to over 200 villages, reducing the cost of diesel generators by 40%.

Local team assistance, YOUESS deeply cultivates Myanmar

Faced with the vast prospects of Myanmar's new energy market, YOUESS Energy Storage has established a professional sales team in the local area to provide customized energy storage solutions. Our EV series batteries and IRack HVS high-voltage stacking system are suitable for complex environments such as high temperature and humidity in Myanmar, providing stable and reliable new energy support for enterprises and household users.

With the gradual maturity of Myanmar's photovoltaic market, YOUESS will continue to promote the application of energy storage technology in Southeast Asia and assist Myanmar's energy transformation. Welcome interested partners to contact us and jointly explore the new energy market in Myanmar!