Myanmar's Electricity Shortage Due to Suspension of Myitsone Hydropower Project, Says Military Leader Min Aung Hlaing

Pajau Media

May 21, 2025

The nationwide electricity shortage in Myanmar is a result of the suspension of the Myitsone Hydropower Project on the Ayeyarwady River in Kachin State, said military leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

The remarks were made during the second day of a coordination meeting of the State Administration Council government in Naypyidaw on May 20, 2025, where the Myitsone project was among the key topics discussed.

Min Aung Hlaing stated that Myanmar still faces electricity shortages and that without sufficient power, development projects cannot function effectively. He explained that while electricity generation projects had been planned in the past, various obstacles prevented their implementation, leading to persistent power deficits.

"As a clear example, if the Myitsone Hydropower Project had not been suspended, we would have gained 6,000 megawatts of electricity. Combining this with existing power plants could have not only met but exceeded the country’s electricity demand," the military leader said.

He added that due to ongoing political, military, and security challenges, many projects remain stalled. However, the government will continue efforts to implement feasible projects where possible.

The Myitsone Dam and Hydropower Project, which involved long-term negotiations between successive Kachin State governments and Chinese construction firms, has faced repeated suspensions due to strong public opposition.

News – Hpring