APR Energy plc, a global leader in fast-track power solutions, announced today that its 102MW project in Myanmar has been extended through 2016, with financial terms similar to those in the initial agreement, according to statement from the company on 17 November.
The original contract for the plant, signed in February 2014, was the first agreement between a U.S.-based company and the government of Myanmar for power generation since the lifting of sanctions.
The Kyaukse power plant is located south of Mandalay, the second-largest city in a country where nearly 42 million people are without access to electricity. The turnkey facility was installed in just 90 days and is one of the largest thermal plants in the country, providing enough power to serve more than six million people. In early September, it was named a Top Plants Award winner in the gas-fired category by POWER magazine.
“We are excited by the continued opportunity to help power the development of one of Southeast Asia’s fast-growing economies,” said Laurence Anderson, Chief Executive Officer. “As the first U.S. power company to do business in Myanmar in recent years, we have been fortunate to have exceptional business partners in Myanma Electric Power Enterprise and the national government. They have been fully committed to the success of this project and the role it is playing to enhance the quality of life for people in Myanmar.”
Clive Turton, managing director of the Company’s Asia Pacific region, said: “I would like to congratulate the Myanmar ministries and staff for their professional and efficient collaboration with the APR Energy team to complete this process. We look forward to continuing our positive cooperation with the Myanma Electric Power Enterprise."
After initially commissioning 82MW of generating capacity in April 2014, APR Energy installed an additional 20MW during the first quarter of 2015 to help offset the reduction of hydropower during the annual dry season in spring.