Energy Sector: President attends Thanlyin Refinery opening

The opening ceremony of the Thanlyin Refinery (Phase I) was held on Wednesday. President U Min Aung Hlaing attended the ceremony. To commence the ceremony, Union Minister for the Ministry of the President's Office U Khin Maung Yi, Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Ko Ko Lwin, and Yangon Region Chief Minister U Aung Naing Oo formally cut the ribbon to open the Thanlyin Refinery (Phase I).

Following this, the President pressed a button to unveil the sign and commemorative plaque of the refinery's main control room and sprinkled scented water on it. The President then inspected a scale model of the Thanlyin Refinery (Phase I), alongside historical photographs spanning various eras of the former Thanlyin Refinery and records of visits by state leaders.

Next, using digital technology, the President pressed a button to initiate the supply of raw materials for the startup of operations and inspected the interior of the main control room. He subsequently signed the visitor record book of the Thanlyin Refinery (Phase I) and toured the refinery premises, giving necessary guidance.

During the second part of the opening ceremony, the President delivered an address. In his speech, he urged relevant officials to continuously monitor and evaluate plant operations, production capacity, equipment maintenance, energy consumption, and product quality.

He noted that if gaps arise between set targets and practical results, the underlying causes must be identified in a timely manner and corrective actions taken. The President announced that Phase II of the project will be implemented subsequently. He emphasized the need to reduce heavy reliance on foreign energy and raw materials to ensure energy security, while also appropriately integrating renewable energy sources.

He underlined that the electricity and energy sector plays a vital role in national economic development, industrial manufacturing, and the daily lives of citizens. Following the address, the Union Minister for Electricity and Energy presented a briefing on the implementation process of the Thanlyin Refinery (Phase I) and future work procedures, after which the President and attendees viewed a documentary video detailing the project's execution.

The Union Minister for Electricity and Energy then presented a commemorative scale model of the refinery to the President as a token of respect. The President subsequently presented commemorative fruit baskets to the experts who successfully implemented the construction of the Thanlyin Refinery (Phase I). Concluding the event, the President visited the proposed site for Phase II of the Thanlyin Refinery and gave necessary instructions. He then inspected the Energy Museum, which was opened to commemorate the centenary of the Thanlyin Refinery, and left further guidelines.