PR: Green Energy is fastest way to solve Myanmar’s energy crisis

A report ‘Myanmar’s Electricity Vision’ shows that green energy can meet all of Myanmar’s future energy needs and is the fastest solution to the current energy crisis. Green energy could also create 3.8 million jobs over the next 35 years, 2-3 times more jobs than fossil fuel based energy.

YANGON, 29 March 2017 – A report ‘Myanmar’s Electricity Vision’ shows that green energy can meet all of Myanmar’s future energy needs and is the fastest solution to the current energy crisis. Green energy could also create 3.8 million jobs over the next 35 years, 2-3 times more jobs than fossil fuel based energy.
 
“Myanmar has the potential to become the renewable energy leader in Southeast Asia,” said Christy Williams, Country Director, WWF-Myanmar. “The cost of solar and wind power have dropped dramatically over the last few years making green energy cheaper and faster to implement than coal and gas.”  
 
The report by WWF, Spectrum - Sustainable Development Knowledge Network and the Renewable Energy Association Myanmar (REAM) describes three scenarios including one which suggests 100% of Myanmar’s energy can be met by renewable energy by 2050, through the following energy mix: 46% solar, 17% wind, 17% biomass, 14% hydropower, 4% run of river hydropower, 1% geothermal energy and 1% ocean power.
 
“Myanmar is developing rapidly and the energy deficit is becoming larger. The fastest way to meet demand is renewable energy,” said Shoon So Oo, Energy Manager, WWF-Myanmar. “Large-scale solar projects can be completed within one year and wind power projects could be operating in two to three years – that’s a very rapid response.”
 
The report also highlights the positive social, environmental and economic impacts of green energy including inclusive sustainable development and commitment to climate mitigation. A green energy future for Myanmar would avoid 75 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
 
“Renewable energy goes far beyond the common perception of solar lanterns and solar home systems,” said Aung Myint, General Secretary, REAM.
 
“It’s cleaner, faster, cheaper and creates more jobs – it’s a win-win for all,” said David Allan, Director of Spectrum.
 
The report has been shared with government and was presented to State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2017.  

For full report see here  

About WWF
WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organisations, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries.  WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. WWF-Myanmar opened in 2014. Its work includes wildlife, habitats, green economy, climate, renewable energy, and sustainable business. To learn more about WWF’s activities, please visit us at www.wwf.org.mm
 
Renewable Energy Association Myanmar (REAM)
 
Renewable Energy Association Myanmar was established as an environmental NGO in Myanmar in 1995 and received registration in 2003. REAM conducts multiple activities in rural development throughout the country for the benefit of local communities through projects aimed at fulfilling the basic needs of food, water and energy, aligned with public educational. Recently REAM has been involving in developing national level policy in the energy and environmental resources sectors.
 
 
Spectrum - Sustainable Development Knowledge Network
 
Spectrum - Sustainable Development Knowledge Network is a local initiative working towards mechanisms and enhanced frameworks for national development in Myanmar, via constructive engagement on environment, sustainable development and natural resource management matters. It was founded in 2007. Spectrum is passionate about inclusion, involvement and empowerment of people as well as transparency and accountability. Spectrum connects government, business and communities to inform, empower and educate as an information-sharing network. Spectrum provides resource materials and training, sharing relevant research and case studies, and promotes positive engagement between the government, private sector and society.

Contact
For more information please contact Ye Min at thwin.yemin@wwfgreatermekong.org