Knowledge sharing workshop: MCRD Union Minister gave an address

The knowledge sharing workshop on renewable energy mainly based on the solar mini-grid system was conducted at Grand Amara Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday.

Present at the occasion were Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe, First Secretary of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to Myanmar Mr. Wang Xianzhong, Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors General and officials from Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Nation Coordination Unit (Myanmar) and other departmental organizations. 

In his speech, the Union Minister stressed that the government is actively working to create a good economic environment for the sustainable development of the socio-economic life of the people by adopting the national development policies and strategies. Regarding the electricity sector, the electricity generation from renewable energy such as hydroelectricity and solar energy systems is being promoted so that all rural and urban residents are accessible electricity, he added. He underlined the purpose of the workshop which is to provide good opportunities for sharing knowledge, negotiating solutions and establishing better business models.

The Union Minister then called the relevant departments and organizations for sector-wise discussions from various perspectives for all aspects based on experiences and knowledge as the development of the renewable energy sector will only be more effective through the public and private cooperation.

This was followed by the remarks of the First Secretary of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to Myanmar Mr. Wang Xianzhong and the Deputy Director General from Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Nation Coordination Unit (Myanmar) respectively.

Next, the relevant officials gave sector-wise discussions on rural electrification and small-scale power projects under the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund, the experiences, obstacles and challenges encountered in implementing small scale solar power systems in addition to the use and prospects of renewable energy sources in Myanmar's electricity generation sector.

And, the professors Dr. Yan JIA and Charlie DOU from Inner Mongolia University of Technology, China discussed the development and progress of solar energy technology and the key factors for the long-term development of small-scale solar power systems in rural electricity supply respectively.

The official from Taninthayi Region Rural Development Department and Myanmar Renewable Energy Association Chairman reported the issues related to regional electricity availability and current energy sources and the development of rural areas with renewable energy.

The relevant officials replied to the queries raised by the attendees. After that, the permanent secretary supplemented the needs upon the reports by the private entrepreneurs and the officials of the relevant departments.