Pending coal projects will raise CO2 level, says expert
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Pending coal-fired power plants are expected to raise the carbon dioxide level in Myanmar to 11 times the current level, said mineralogist Saw Moe Myint at the fourth public meeting of the Myanmar Green Network (MGN) in Kalaw, Shan State, on Monday.
"Currently in Myanmar, around 8.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide are released into the air every year. If all 10 coal plants are constructed, this amount should increase to 96.6 million tonnes, in other words, around 11 times greater than now," said Saw Moe Myint.
Local tycoons have signed memoranda of understanding to construct coal power plants in partnership with foreign companies in Yangon, Ayeyawady and Taninthayi regions.
The MoUs for two projects – a 300 megawatt coal power plant in Kungyangon, Yangon Region, and another one that can produce 50 megawatts in Myeik, Taninthayi Region – have been completed. The other eight are now in the observation stages.
"The environmental and social impact assessments are now being carried out. But the companies told us about the benefits of the plants while hiding the side-effects that coal-fired plants can produce. The locals are na?ve when it comes to coal factories," Saw Moe Myint argued.
Dewi Thantsin, a member of MGN weighed in, saying, "They say the purified coal technology is the solution to the environmental problems these plants pose."
She added that the mineral extraction projects are based abroad are not the key to raising Myanmar's wealth.
Air pollution poisons seven million people worldwide annually, and therefore, the setbacks of the coal-fired projects outweigh their advantages, according to MGN.
Burning coal produces harmful by-products, including greenhouse gases, dust and acid rain. Transportation charges and water used for purification will also be costly.
