Dams
Burma's junta signed an agreement with China Power Investment Corporation in May 2007 for the construction of seven hydroelectric dams along the Irrawaddy, Mali, and N'Mai River in Kachin State. The total planned output of all seven plants will be 13,360 MWs of electricity, making it the largest hydropower project in Burma, surpassing the 7,100 MW TaSang Dam in Shan State. The following data is available for the dam locations:
| Location | Myitsone | Chibwe | Pashe | Lakin | Phizaw | Khaunglanphu | Laiza |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height (m) | 152 | 47,5 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Length (m) | 152 | 220 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Capacity (MW) | 3,600 | 2,000 | 1,600 | 1,400 | 1,500 | 1,700 | 1,560 |
The power generated by the dams will be transmitted to other countries in the South-East Asian region, with most going to China. Other countries targeted for power export are Thailand, India and Bangladesh.
The largest of the seven, the Myitsone Dam, is located at the confluence of the Mali and N'Mai Rivers at the creation of the Irrawaddy. Although the China Power Investment Corporation is project manager of the Confluence Region Hydropower Projects. ParConfluence Region Hydropower Projects, several companies have been or are currently involved in the preparation, construction and financing of the 3,600 MW Myitsone Dam. Asia World Company has a key position, amidst Burmese Suntac Technologies and state-run Myanmar Electrical Power Enterprise, a state-owned utility enterprise responsible for power generation, transmission and distribution
Chinese involvement comes from China Power Investment Corporation, China Southern Power Grid, Yunnan Machinery Equipment Import & Export Company and Changjiang Institute of Surveying, Planning, Design and Research.
At least one Japanese company is involved, Kansai Electric Power Company.
Read more about this topic: Irrawaddy River