Trust and Transparency Key for Building Sustainable Hydropower Sector in Myanmar

During his presentation at a two-day mid-January workshop in Naypyidaw, U Min Khaing, Director of the Department of Hydropower Implementation in Myanmar’s Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) announced an ambitious vision for the country’s power sector – to fulfill [Myanmar’s] electricity demands by 2030.

The World Bank Group (WBG) and the International Hydropower Association co-hosted the event that focused on sustainable hydropower and regional cooperation. But with only 31 percent of Myanmar connected to the electricity grid, ensuring sustainable, universal electrification within 15 years will require commitment from all stakeholders, including financiers, officials, local communities, and hydropower developers.

Workshop panelist Daw Khin Ni Ni Thein, a member of the Myanmar National Water Resources Committee, pointed to other key steps needed to reach the government’s ambitious goal including establishing trust, addressing legacy issues, and ensuring transparency.

Pablo Cardinale, IFC’s Principal Environmental Specialist, agreed that finding solutions starts by trusting each other. Cardinale called on participants to work together and take the opportunity to make Myanmar’s hydropower sector sustainable.

The workshop, at which Myanmar officials, WBG experts, and representatives from international organizations, the private sector, NGOs and regional media discussed sustainable hydropower in Myanmar, served as an initial attempt to hear diverse views.

Funded by the Australian government, the workshop provided a forum for participants to openly discuss concerns on hydropower development in Myanmar and identify key next steps.

Over 160 participants, including 100 from Myanmar, discussed hydropower development amidst Myanmar’s ongoing political and social change. They shared hydropower planning lessons, offering regional perspectives on topics such as:

• Building strong legal and regulatory environmental and social frameworks;
• Sustainability approaches and river basin management;
• Approaches to integrating the private sector and civil society;
• Sustainable financing options; and
• The importance of local buy-in on all projects.

With at least 100 gigawatts of untapped hydropower, Myanmar’s potential to provide electricity to its population and neighboring counties is huge. Currently, 19 projects are in operation around the country. But this total could double in the near future if planned projects move forward. Of course, they will need to be developed sustainably.

"The workshop was just the start of discussions,” said Kate Lazarus, Senior Operations Officer, IFC. “It successfully ignited technical discussions, tabling different perspectives that resulted in very constructive dialogue which needs to continue.”