Yunnan-Myanmar's power cooperation steps up

A view of the Thaketa power project in Rangoon, Myanmar [Photo/people.cn]

The first phase of Myanmar's Thaketa gas-steam cycling power plant, with an installed capacity of 106 megawatts, was recently completed thanks to the cooperation of Yunnan Provincial Energy Investment Group (YPEIG) and Myanmar authorities. 
 
Located in Thaketa, a township 10 kilometers away from downtown Rangoon, the project is the only one under-construction in terms of China-Myanmar power cooperation. With an investment model of "build-operate-transfer", it has a franchising period of 30 years. 
 
The first phase of the project, which attracted an investment of $129 million and only took 20 months to complete, is the most efficient gas power plant with the least energy cost in Myanmar.
 
Generating about 20 percent of the annual electricity in Rangoon, the first phase is expected to provide electricity services for more than 42,000 households in Rangoon and neighboring areas, greatly reliving the electricity consumption pressure.
 
Rangoon is in greater need of electricity power than other areas and the Thaketa project will improve the energy supply and promote Myanmar's development, according to Myanmar's power and energy authorities. 
 
A measure of Yunnan's interest in cooperation along the Belt and Road, the project will bring in from the province personnel training and more stable and safe electricity for Myanmar over a long period. 
 
YPEIG has become an activist implementing the province's diplomatic policies as the group has ranked first in Yunnan in terms of overseas investment for three consecutive years. 
 
"I hope that YPEIG will engage more power projects along the Belt and Road and contribute  more to regional electricity cooperation," said Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Hong Liang.

Editor: John Li