15 more hydropower dams for Burma (Myanmar)

http://asianenergy.blogspot.com/2008/11/15-more-hydropower-dams-for-burma.html

Junta to Permit Building of 15 More Hydro dams

The Burmese ruling junta is reportedly planning another 15 hydroelectric projects on Burma's rivers in addition to the 22 already on the drawing board or under construction.

If approved, the 15 hydrodams would have an electricity-generating capacity of almost 14,000 megawatts-on top of the 16,500 MW expected to result from dams already being developed.

"These dams, if they reach fruition and their full operating potential, would deliver more electricity than Thailand currently uses," energy consultant Collin Reynolds in Bangkok told The Irrawaddy this week.


"It's ironic, given the paltry level of electricity-generating capacity that Burma lives with in the 21st century. The Burmese have a mere 1,700 MW according to their own government's latest official figures. Such a low level explains why Burma looks black on nighttime satellite pictures of the region."

Neighboring Thailand has a generating capacity of 26,000 MW and will be a major recipient of hydropower generated in Burma. Other countries who will tap this power source are neighboring energy-hungry giants India and China.

The Chinese will not only be major recipients of the Burmese hydropower-their state-owned companies are heavily involved in the construction work to build them, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua said this week.

The companies include Yunnan Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Co, the Farsighted Investment Group Co, Gold Water Resources Limited and the China Power Investment Corporation, which alone will build seven dams, said Xinhua.
Posted by Saigon Charlie at 6:46 PM
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