Green Earth Power (Thailand) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Myanmar Ministry of Electric Power (MOEP) to formalise the development of a 220-megawatt solar power plant. The signing ceremony, held in Nay Pyi Taw, marked an important milestone for the Myanmar power sector, which looks to become a major player in the development of renewable energy, and large-scale solar projects.

Solar power is a solution to Myanmar’s immediate and long term power needs, being quick to build and no reliance on the supply of fossil fuels or subject to (their) price fluctuations.

GEP signed the memorandum of understanding for the project in May last year, and only after presenting its findings under a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment, along with extensive technical discussions with MOEP, was the MoU formalised as a firm commitment by both parties to develop the project.

The Minbu project is on a single 344-hectare (2,150 rai) site 200 kilometres west of Nay Pyi Taw. The solar power plant is to be built in four phases over 30 months with a total investment of US$350 million (Bt11.3 billion).

The solar power plant will be connected to the new 230- kilovolt transmission line that is being constructed by the MOEP, which will be the off-taker under a 30-year power purchase agreement.

The Minbu project is said to be one of the largest solar photovoltaic power plants and will create an estimated 700 jobs during its construction.