Socio-economic impacts of solar home system in rural Myanmar | |
| Author | Wai Yan Aung |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.ET-17-03 |
| Subject(s) | Solar energy--Economic aspects--Myanmar Solar energy--Social aspects--Myanmar |
| Note | A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Energy |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | |
| Abstract | There are 64,917 villages in total in Myanmar, 60%of rural villages has no access to electricity (Pode et al., 2016). Myanmar, with a huge rural population in a large area, requires considerable time and cost to expand the national grid. Majority of the population (85%) is still dependent on firewood (59%) and charcoal (24%), and electricity (15%) for to be addressed in Myanmar. Off-grid solar home system in rural Myanmar is expanding as a solution which are often subsidized. In many public programs, SHS is not only aimed at providing to have lighting energy but also to contribute to socio-economic development whether if contributed to socio-economic development is a question that remains.Therefore, the main objective of this study is to identify socio-economic impacts of solar home system in rural Myanmar. The study and its findings are mainly based on a household survey taken in three villages of Myaytine, Ahata Yaung, Mya Kyun Thar in Yangon township from Taikkyi district. Solar home system was implemented in three villages around 200 households. Based on the finding from the survey area, SHS have linking to many aspects of socio-economic development like education, economy, environment and health.It was found that by implanting solar home system in survey areahasincreased in education for children.Our result also showed that women and children can shift their working time from evening time to night time after installation of solar home system. Positive environmental impacts are also observed as the substitution of traditional lighting fuels save carbon dioxide emissions. But close monitoring of the old batteries collection and recycling system is essential for ensuring ecologically sustainable environment in survey area. Solar home system sustains fresh indoor air due to lack of carbon and smoke free light. At the same time, health related awareness program from TV and radio has an impact in household level and improved treatment of patients at night and escape from kerosene related accidents. This study has shown that energy access can improve rural lives by exploiting available local resource with sustainability options. Moreover, in achieving nationwide electrification of Myanmar by 2030, the findings of this study show that solar home system for rural areas has added benefits of socio-economic development in addition to have lighting and electrification. |
| Year | 2017 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Dhakal, Shobhakar |
| Examination Committee(s) | Salam, P. Abdul;Weerakorn Ongsakul |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship |
| Degree | Research report (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2017 |