Developers working on one of the largest solar power project in Southeast Asia have reported progress on the project.
Engineering and construction firm Black and Veatch has recently announced that it has been appointed by Thailand’s Green Earth Power (GEP) to provide design and consultancy services for a 220MW PV power plant to be built in Myanmar.
The solar PV plant will be built in Minbu, Magway region of Myanmar. The construction is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2016. The project would entail an investment of $275 million.
Ric O’Connell, International Renewable Energy Director at Black & Veatch said, “Electricity is an urgent priority in Myanmar and has serious implications on economic and social progress. As solar facilities can be built rapidly, it is an excellent alternative to quickly add power to the grid and ensure meaningful impacts on quality of life.”
Black and Veatch has a strong track record in Thailand with experience working on 55 MW Lopburi Solar Farm in Thailand. Black & Veatch’s scope will primarily be executed by specialized resources based in Bangkok. It has also recently opened a local office in Yangon, Myanmar for better co-ordination in the country and to get closer to its clients.
Myanmar suffers from huge electricity crises as over 70 percent of the people do not have access to electricity. In rural areas, where the majority of the poor live, only 16 percent of households have access to grid-based electricity. This project would help to provide a major boost to local communities and industry.
This project would also boost Myanmar’s government goal to increase electricity production from the present 2,500 MW to 30,000 MW by 2030.
