Yomamicropower

About Yomamicropower

Founded in 2016, Yomamicropower operates as a developer of distributed renewable energy systems, with a focus on spurring the energy transition in Southeast Asia. The company was founded by Alakesh Chetia, who currently serves as the CEO. Before co-founding Yomamicropower, Chetia was the President of Social Innovations and Managing Director of Rural Electrification at SunEdison, and has also held leadership roles at Cypress Semiconductor, TransEDA, and iMODL.

The company's core business involves developing and operating solar-hybrid power plants and mini-grids to supply electricity to a diverse client base that was previously off-grid or reliant on diesel generators. Its primary market is Myanmar, a country where a significant portion of the population lacks access to the national electricity grid. The business model is structured around an "anchor, business, consumer (ABC)" approach. Mobile network operators and telecom tower companies act as the anchor clients, purchasing electricity at a lower cost than diesel, which makes the projects commercially viable. The infrastructure is then extended to power surrounding communities, including local businesses, households, schools, and clinics. This model allows Yomamicropower to provide affordable and reliable electricity to rural populations while also serving commercial and industrial (C&I) clients with grid-connected rooftop solar systems. Revenue is generated through the sale of electricity to these various customer segments. To facilitate payments, especially in rural areas, the company utilizes mobile-based payment mechanisms.

Yomamicropower's key offering is the installation and operation of hybrid energy systems, which combine solar panels, battery storage, and diesel generators for backup. This ensures a reliable, 24/7 power supply. For rural communities, the company deploys mini-grids that distribute electricity from these hybrid plants. The firm also caters to urban residential customers and C&I clients, helping them reduce electricity costs and reliance on the national grid through solar installations. Since its inception, the company has successfully deployed over 600 projects. A significant milestone was the completion of a 10-site pilot program in the Sagaing Region, which demonstrated the model's effectiveness and led to a large-scale rollout. The company has secured substantial funding from investors including Yoma Strategic Holdings, Norfund (the Norwegian Investment Fund for developing countries), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.