Micro-hydro electrification : a case study in Myanmar | |
| Author | Sandar Myo |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ET-15-05 |
| Subject(s) | Hydroelectric power plants--Myanmar Rural electrification--Myanmar |
| Note | A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Energy |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Although Myanmar owns rich energy potential, its electrification rate is yet the lowest 26% in the ASEAN. Electrification to the rural areas could be done by extending the national grid. But, till now, the national grid could cover only 30 percent of the country. So, there may be other practical solutions to fill the gap due to scattered villages thorough out the country and budget limitations to extend the grid instantly. As Myanmar possesses many rivers and streams; these water resources can be exploited by implementing small-scale hydropower plants. It can be a valuable power source to those who are living in the isolated areas. This study assesses the micro-hydropower technologies being used at the two micro-hydropower plants; one is in Pyin Oo Lwin region and another one is in Kyaing Tong region. The micro-hydropower plant from Pyin Oo Lwin provides Electricity to Peik Chin Myaung cave and villages near the cave. The other one from Kyaing Tong provides Electricity to the nearby villages. Findings and research on the technical design, system components, power transmissions, operations and maintenance (O&M) issues are also addressed. This study also discusses the users' experience and satisfactions on the electricity supplied by micro-hydropower systems. Besides, impacts of the electrification on the community and users in their daily life are also discussed. From the field visit, it is found that the water way facilities, electric and mechanical equipments, transmission and distribution lines should be maintained properly in order to operate micro-hydropower plant in optimum condition. In addition, from the field survey, electricity consumption is mainly based on the income and most of the households with monthly income of less than $100 consume electricity for lighting only. Micro-hydropower plants will be one of the best options for resolving lack of electricity in rural areas of Myanmar; therefore the Myanmar government should provide better support in developing technologies, expertise and budget in this sector. |
| Year | 2015 |
| Type | Thesis |
| 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) | Salam, Abdul P.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kumar, Sivanappan;Dhakal, Shobhakar; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Scholarship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2015 |