Myanmar’s Prime Minister urges for increased local solar panel production

Myanmar’s Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing has called on government ministries to strengthen collaboration in scaling up domestic solar panel production and expanding industrial applications of solar energy across the country.

During a recent visit to a solar panel manufacturing facility in the Yangon administrative region, Hlaing—who also serves as Chairman of the State Administration Council and Senior General—highlighted the strategic importance of advancing local solar technology. His inspection tour also included visits to a tire factory and two steel plants within the region.

At the solar facility, operated by Shwe Katha Co. Ltd., the Prime Minister stressed the need for locally produced solar panels to match the performance and quality of imported alternatives. He emphasized that improving domestic manufacturing capabilities is essential for energy independence and economic resilience.

According to a release from the Ministry of Information, Hlaing urged authorities to develop solar power generation at both residential and industrial levels. “Efforts should focus on producing solar electricity at small-scale levels for household consumption, as well as large-scale systems for powering factories,” the statement read.

To realize these goals, Hlaing called for closer coordination between the Ministry of Electric Power and the Ministry of Industry, specifically in enhancing solar panel manufacturing infrastructure.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of localizing the production of raw materials essential for solar panel assembly. In particular, he directed officials to initiate domestic silicon production, a critical component in photovoltaic technology.

As of the end of 2024, Myanmar’s installed solar capacity stood at 216 megawatts, marking an increase from 181 MW in 2023, according to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).