Keeping Myanmar's Lights On

Mar 25, 2017 | Tony Nash
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Myanmar is one of the world's fastest growing economies, with projected annual growth of 7.8% in gross domestic product for the financial year to March 31 2017, according to the World Bank. Only those who have not spent time with its overwhelmingly young and enthusiastic people -- or those unaware of the vast potential of this emerging market of about 54 million consumers -- should find this surprising. But it is nevertheless an achievement for a country that for decades struggled in the wake of the Asian tigers.

Even as the country gains momentum, however, many observers ask whether its success can be sustained. Various elements will combine to answer that question, although there is one crucial aspect that could make or break the country's rise. That is energy -- or rather, Myanmar's lack of electric power generation capacity.