Government awaits permission to import gas turbines, engines

Published on Monday, 07 January 2013 16:42

Myanmar government has postponed its plan to import gas turbines and gas engines from five foreign countries, still waiting for permission from Myanmar Investment Commission and concerned ministries, an official from Yangon Electricity Supply Board (YESB) said.

The imported machines from Spain, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia will be used in handling power rationing issues in the upcoming summer and placed at the factories in Hlawg, Ywama, Thakayta, and Ahlon in Yangon Region.

"Power supply during the rainy season was sufficient, but there was a significant increase in demand around December. We have to control the flow of water [from the hydropower plants] to ensure enough power supply in the [upcoming] summer," said Aung Khine, chairman of YESB.

"We have submitted a proposal to import the gas turbines and gas engines to supply electricity before March 2013," he said.

According to Aung Khine, the demand for power increased 15 percent last year, and the country witnessed many demonstrations against electricity shortages in Yangon, Mandalay, and other cities.

Last year, Myanmar consumed 1,790 MW in summer, and the demand is expected to hit 2,060 MW in 2013, 2,370 MW in 2014, 2,725 MW in 2015 and 3,130 MW in 2016.

The Ministry of Electrical Power plans to generate 350 MW from its new projects in Thaukyaykhat-2, Hlawga, Ywama, Thakayta and Ahlon, in order to supply 509 MW of electricity for the entire country.

The government also plans to cut power in several industrial zones, government-owned factories, and river water-pumping projects from 5pm to 11pm to provide additional 219 MW for the country.

Power will be cut in daytime in small towns where there are no industries and factories, while some major cities will receive additional electricity supplies.