Alternative energy
Most of the electricity used in Myanmar comes from the centralised national grid system. Electricity is generated from top-down and large-scale destructive energy projects such as hydropower dams and gas or coal fired power plants, which is transferred through long transmission lines to urban households, shops and factories. This leaves rural project-affected communities with no benefits, and often a number of negative environmental and social impacts like displacement and environmental pollution.
Indigenous Karen communities have the right to decide what development looks like for them. Top-down energy projects like coal mining, and mega hydropower do not take into account the voices of the local Karen people who rely on the integrity of the natural environment for their livelihoods and wellbeing.
Therefore, KESAN carries out alternative energy project surveys and provides information on accessible alternative energy options such as mini-hydro in communities (under the CBLI program), while engaging with various actors and forums to advocate for more inclusive and sustainable energy policies that center the input and decisions of local communities.
Related
publications
Information in this brochure will hopefully provide communities with knowledge and awareness of the different existing options to access electricity and should be considered a complement to larger campaigns against harmful development projects, such as mega hydropower dams, special economic zones, and gas- and coal fired power plants.