Myanmar will be home to Southeast Asia’s largest solar power plant. Black & Veatch was recently appointed by Green Earth Power (Thailand) to provide design and consultancy services for the project with the construction to commence in the first quarter of 2016.
“Electricity is an urgent priority in Myanmar and has serious implications on economic and social progress. As solar facilities can be built rapidly, it is an excellent alternative to quickly add power to the grid and ensure meaningful impacts on quality of life,” said Ric O’Connell, International Renewable Energy Director at Black & Veatch.
The plant will generate up to 220 megawatts (MWp) of power and is located in Minbu, Magway region. As more than 75 percent of Myanmar’s population has no access to electricity of any form, the facility will provide a major boost to local communities and industry.
Backed by experiences such as the Lopburi 55 Megawatt Solar Farm in Thailand, Black & Veatch’s scope will be primarily executed by specialized resources based in Bangkok.
O’Connell with more than 25 years of industry experience, was recently appointed to lead the renewable energy business in the region. He is based in Bangkok and will be supporting Asian clients in the development, financing, engineering and construction of renewable energy projects.
Black & Veatch expects many Asian countries to lead the next wave of renewable energy growth. According to a World Bank report, Asia’s performance on renewable energy is strong. Global consumption grew by 4 per cent per annum from 2010 to 2012, in Asia the growth was almost twice as fast at close to 8 per cent[1].
“The plant supports the Myanmar Government’s aim to increase electricity production from the present 2,500 MW to 30,000 MW by 2030. Drawing on our deep experience in renewable energy, power generation, water and oil & gas, we are well positioned to support the goal and bring in the full depth and breadth of our regional expertise,” said Pitak Wangvarangkoon, who was recently appointed as General Manager of Black & Veatch’s business in Myanmar.
Bolstered by 30 years of experience, Wangvarangkoon leads business development and commercial efforts for Black & Veatch in Myanmar and Thailand.
Black & Veatch has also recently opened a local office in Yangon, Myanmar to better coordinate its pursuits in the country and to get closer to its clients.
- Black & Veatch’s Asian renewable energy execution centers are located at Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Singapore and Pune. A specialized Hydropower Centre of Excellence was opened last year in Singapore.
- Black & Veatch has maintained a large presence in Thailand since the 1960s. The company’s 200-strong office in Bangkok plays an important role in helping Thailand and Asia meet its rising energy demands.
- Black & Veatch (as Binnie and Partners) has a history of working in Myanmar that dates back to a water study conducted in 1912 and developing infrastructure such as the Rangoon Pegu Yomas Water Scheme, including Gyobu dam between 1935 and 1941.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2014 were US$3 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.
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Black & Veatch
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