Myanmar commissions two 40 MW solar power plants in Mandalay region – SPE

Myanmar has commissioned two 40 MW solar power plants in the Mandalay region as the country grapples with widening grid constraints and widespread power rationing.

Myanmar’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy this week held opening ceremonies for the Thazi Solar Power Plant in Thazi Township, Meiktila District, built by Leader Power Co. Ltd., and the Thabyaywa Solar Power Plant in Meiktila Township, built by Hanzar Solar Energy Co. Ltd. Both power stations have a capacity of 40 MW each.

Union Minister U Ko Ko Lwin said in an online statement that the two plants will generate about 202 million kWh per year and supply electricity to about 130,000 households. A 210 MW solar power project currently under construction by Shwe Swan Inn Company Limited is expected to be completed soon, he added.

The minister acknowledged that ongoing power generation projects are being delayed and some operational power stations have suffered damage, causing a decline in generation. Transmission losses, damage to major lines due to natural disasters and other causes, and grid overload have contributed to frequent outages. Consumers currently receive power through a rotating power system, he said.

Myanmar launched a 1GW solar tender in 2020, splitting projects among multiple developers, but construction progress has been slow due to political instability and grid constraints. The commissioning of the two 40 MW plants in the Mandalay region marks one of the few recent additions to the country’s solar fleet, as developers continue to deal with delays, transmission bottlenecks and widespread power rationing.