The current state of electricity consumption in Myanmar (Burma) presents a significant reliance on fossil fuel sources, which make up a little over 60% of the total electricity generation. Most of this comes from gas, which alone accounts for more than half of the electricity generated in the country. On the brighter side, low-carbon sources contribute a substantial share as well, constituting close to 40% of the electricity mix. The primary contributor to this low-carbon segment is hydropower, producing around 38% of the electricity, making it by far the leading source of clean energy in the country. However, contributions from coal and biofuels are minimal and need to be addressed to reduce the environmental impact.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Myanmar (Burma)?
Despite the need for increased electricity generation to support economic development and quality of life improvements, Myanmar's electricity consumption per person has slightly declined from its peak. While the latest figures show an electricity consumption of 464 kWh per person, the highest recorded level was 475 kWh per person in 2023. More concerning is the reduction in low-carbon electricity generation per capita, which has seen a steep decline from its peak of 270 kWh in 2018 to 182 kWh presently. This drop is a missed opportunity for the country to leverage its natural resources to produce clean energy and reduce its heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Suggestions
To propel forward, Myanmar can draw valuable lessons from regions that have successfully harnessed low-carbon energy sources. Solar and wind energy can provide immediate and scalable solutions; countries such as Nevada and California exemplify solar energy’s potential, with solar constituting about 34% and 31% of their electricity mix, respectively. For wind energy, places like Denmark, Iowa, and South Dakota utilize wind for more than half of their electricity needs. Additionally, nuclear energy remains a cornerstone for countries like France and Slovakia, where it provides around two-thirds of their electricity. Myanmar would do well to explore investments in solar and nuclear power projects to diversify its energy mix and ensure cleaner, more sustainable power generation.
History
Historically, Myanmar has experienced fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity generation, primarily tied to hydropower development. In the early 2000s, hydropower saw modest annual increases, and significant boosts were recorded notably in 2011 and 2017, with increases of 2.4 TWh and 2.8 TWh, respectively. However, the recent years preceding 2020 marked a downturn, with substantial declines in production—3.6 TWh in 2019 and 1.7 TWh in 2020—highlighting fragility in this sector. Addressing these dips and ensuring steady growth in low-carbon sources is crucial for Myanmar's sustainable energy future.
