Hydropower development in Myanmar and its implications on regional energy cooperation

Abstract

This paper analyses the current status of hydropower development in Myanmar and its role in strengthening regional energy development and cooperation. Myanmar's water sector is facing intensive changes as the country's abundant water resources provide substantial scope for development. Several plans are underway to tap the country's vast hydropower potential and to achieve economic growth through increased hydro electricity exports. Factors driving intensive water resources development are: policies seeking energy security, economic growth in the region, the resulting energy demand growth as well as opening of Myanmar's economy for investments. The development plans provide many opportunities for economic development and regional cooperation, but also for accelerated natural resources extraction and socioeconomic inequity. This paper concludes that in the face of intensifying hydropower cooperation, improved national level water governance in Myanmar as well as an integrated regional hydropower plan would support sustainable regional energy cooperation and ensure shared benefits and responsibilities from the cross-border hydropower development.