The project will upgrade the Thida-Thaketa-Kyaikasan transmission ring lines from 66kV to 230kV and also involves construct of two new substations at South Okkalapa and West University.
The project is expected to complete the critical 230kV ring for Yangon straddling the substations of Ahlone, Thida, Thaketa, South Okkalapa, Hlawga, Myang Tagar, West University, Hlaing Thayar and back to Ahlone.
ADB Southeast Asia Department senior energy economist Bui Duy Thanh said: "The aging and overloaded transmission network requires urgent improvements to provide stable and ample supplies of power to support the country’s economic growth targets and poverty reduction objectives.
"Yangon plays a central role as an economic hub for the country and this assistance will help the government ensure reliable power supplies are provided to the city and surrounding areas."
The project is expected to complement associated upgrades which are being implemented by the Myanmar Electric Power Enterprise.
According to ADB, the Myanmar Government is required to develop new generation sources and to expand and strengthen the transmission and distribution networks in order to meet the growing demand for power.
Power demand in the country is estimated to increase over 9% of annually through to 2030 as the economy is expected to grow at around 7.8% each year.
ADB has been supporting the government, which is currently assessing ways to meet its energy goals, in infrastructure upgrades, regulatory development and institutional capacity building.
In 2013, ADB approved a $60m loan to Myanmar to rehabilitate sections of its power distribution network.
Image: Myanmar’s power demand is estimated to increase over 9% of annually to 2030. Photo: courtesy of a454/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
