Thailand's SPCG aiming to feed Myanmar's power needs

Thai solar power producer SPCG is aiming to start a solar-farm business in Myanmar.

It is sounding out a group of major investors for the business. The joint venture is expected to be finalized by year-end.

Wandee Khunchornyakong, chairwoman SPCG, said that Myanmar had only 2.5 gigawatts of capacity to serve more than 56 million people, while Thailand had 32GW for 67 million.

Energy demand has spiked after the isolated country opened up last year and foreign businesses began pouring in, she said.

Two 1-megawatt solar farms are expected to be located in Yangon and Mandalay, each covering at least 4.8 hectares. The investment should be about Bt70 million for each solar farm.

"Solar farms are suitable for Myanmar because the country has an off-grid system. Solar farms can be easily connected without having to rely on electricity poles. It is suitable for the community and environmentally friendly," she said while attending the opening of Kasikornbank's representative office in Yangon.

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