Myanmar has high solar irradiation levels in many areas, but no large-scale solar power systems have been installed due to the largely mountainous terrain, protected areas, and limited grid system. Solar power is currently an option only for rural and off-grid applications in Myanmar.
The existing installed capacity is also included in the questionnaire in megawatts (MW). The Myanmar EBT 2000–2016 adopted the energy unit of ton of oil equivalent (toe). One unit of toe is defined as 107 kl (41.868 GJ). There are two heat values: one is NCV and the other is gross calorific value (GCV).
At present, less than 30 percent of Myanmar's population has access to electricity, with approximately 2.3 million residential electricity connections.
Approximately two-thirds of Myanmar’s primary energy supply comes from biomass—firewood and charcoal—and rural areas for the most part lack electricity. The government, which took office in March 2011, has introduced sweeping political and economic reforms fundamental to development.
Myanmar was not an electricity-importing country and it has been exporting electricity to China since 2013. Table 4.9 shows the electricity supply of Myanmar in 2000 to 2016. Table 4.9. Electricity Supply (GWh) AAGR = average annual growth rate, GWh = gigawatt-hour.
Myanmar, being an agricultural economy and its exports focused on Agri Products, Gemstones & Minerals, has been greatly dependent on many segments from its Neighbouring countries majorly from China, India, Thailand and other SE Asian countries. Local Manufacturing is yet to gain foot and the country has to rely largely on Imports.