ACCELERATING ENERGY ACCESS FOR ALL IN MYANMAR United Nations Development Programme MYANMAR May 2013

UNDP Assessment of the Energy Sector in Myanmar UNDP Assessment of the Energy Sector in Myanmar Despite having rich energy resources, it’s the most energy poor country in Asia in terms energy access.

Access to Modern Energy Services Geographical RegionWithout Access to ElectricityDependence on traditional solid fuels for cooking RegionCountryPopulation (million) Share of population (%) Population (million) Share of population (%) Africa Nigeria Ethiopia Congo Tanzania Kenya Other Sub- Saharan Africa North Africa2143 Asia ,92154 India Bangladesh Indonesia Pakistan Myanmar Rest of developing Asia Latin America Middle East Developing Countries 1,314252,66251 World 1,317192,66239 Source: International Energy Agency, Energy for All: Financing Access for the Poor (Paris: OECD/IEA, October, 2011).

Community/Household Scale Energy Systems Woodlots and Nurseries Improved Cookstoves Biogas Digesters Off-Grid Microhydro Solar Energy

Solutions to Energy Access Accelerating ENERGY ACCESS Capacity Building Financing and micro-financing Community mobilization funds Community Involvement Public Private Partnerships Regulatory authority harmonization Creation of technology standards Service and Training Centres Introduction Country Background Energy Access Challenges Energy Access Solutions Conclusions

Capacity Development Capacity development programmes should be aimed at both local government institutions and households. Their focus should also be energy users such as households, village leaders, civil society and local entrepreneurs. Not only disseminating information to consumers but receiving feedback about what they want—through feasibility studies, surveys, and an appreciation for the particular energy services they desire. Conducting comprehensive assessment of rural energy resources as well as demand and supply Compiling inventories of best practices, quality services, and affordable technologies Developing rural energy initiatives and strengthening governance structure

Community Mobilization funds and productive energy Couple energy access programmes with community development funds (CDFs). CDFs create revenue to promote women’s empowerment, skills enhancement, better management of technology, and income generation. Example: Nepal’s CDF attached to microhydro diffusion, which offered $400,000 in total for the promotion of non-lighting uses of electricity like agro- processing, poultry farming, carpentry workshops, ice making, water supply, etc. Income Generation and Poverty Reduction from Productive Use of Modern Energy Improving efficiency or productivity of existing activities Expanding existing operations beyond daylight hours Establishing new energy based enterprises Improving operation of schools and public services Employing local people in energy service delivery

Conclusions Energy Access Crisis exists in Myanmar Positive synergies exist between expanding energy access and accomplishing MDG’s and other sustainable development goals Distinct opportunities exist—for both the government, and for development partners to overcome Myanmar’s challenges The ability of the poor to utilize energy for productive purposes is a crucial aspect of the energy access goal in Myanmar