The micro-grids will provide reliable, clean energy to households in eleven villages throughout Shan State and Chin State. The project is being implemented under the guidance of Myanmar’s Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development’s (MLFRD) Department of Rural Development (DRD) and is funded by the Japanese International Cooperation System (JICS).
Sunlabob will provide material supply, design and construction of the battery-backed solar systems and the company’s engineers will provide hands-on training for local maintenance technicians and household end-users.
“Sunlabob is pleased to contribute to the sustainable electrification of Myanmar through the use of high-quality, international-standard solar technology” said Andy Schroeter, Sunlabob CEO. “All signs point to decentralized renewable energy, such as solar micro-grids, being an important ingredient to the electrification of rural communities and businesses in Myanmar for years to come.”
Myanmar is an emerging market which is becoming increasingly interesting to investors given its wealth of natural resources and the fact that less than a third of its population currently has access to electricity. The lack of any significant previous power generation infrastructure means that renewable energy is a very popular alternative in the country, particularly with regard to solar with a potential generation capacity of around 51,973 terrawatt hours per year. The country also has seven hydroelectric projects with plans to generate 10 GW. Growth rates passed the 5 percent mark in 2010 with government attempts to modernise the country’s industry and economy and the grid-based electrification rate has now reached approximately 30 percent.
Sunlabob is based in Laos has had a full-time presence in Myanmar since mid-2014. Aside from renewable energy it also specialises in clean water solutions.
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