Mizzima
The Myanmar Ministry of Energy and the Russian Federation have been discussing the use of AI technology in boosting production of oil and gas from Myanmar’s dwindling reserves of oil and gas fields.
The Russian Federation ambassador to Myanmar Mr. Iskander Azizov and Myanmar Energy Minister Ko Ko Lwin reportedly discussed the use of AI technology in geological and geophysical work, and promotion of cooperation in the energy sector between Myanmar and Russia on 17 January.
They also exchanged views regarding the matters of building an oil refinery in Myanmar.
The major oil and gas production centre of Myanmar is in the oil fields of Magway and Mandalay Regions.
After the 2021 military coup, the relationship between Myanmar and the Russian Federation has grown closer and friendlier, and has seen a proposal that Russia will help build a nuclear power plant in Myanmar.
The World Bank’s Semi-annual Economic Monitor Report for Myanmar says that Myanmar’s natural gas production continued its downward trajectory due mainly to dwindling reserves and a lack of investment in new energy sector projects and it would create another crisis for the Military Council as the supply and demand gap will grow wider in the electricity and energy sectors.
Depletion of reserves, lack of new investments in the upstream oil and gas sector and regular maintenance of pipelines, especially the Yadana field, pose further constraints on production, the report says.
New international sanctions on Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE) could pose additional challenges for the oil and gas sector by restricting the provision of financial services and deterring badly needed foreign investment, hence the Military Council is trying to boost oil and gas production with Russia’s technological assistance.
