Upper Paunglaung Dam
The Upper Paunglaung Dam is a gravity dam on the Paunglaung River, about 40 km (25 mi) east of Pyinmana on the border of Naypyidaw Union Territory and Shan State, Burma. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power generation, provided by the140 megawatts (190,000 hp) power station it supports. Preliminary construction on the dam site began in January 2005 and roller-compacted concrete placement for the dam commenced in October 2010.[1][2][3] The dam was completed and impounded its reservoir in december 2015.[4] It is expected to regulate the river and improve power generation at the downstream Lower Paunglaung Dam.[5]
| Upper Paunglaung Dam | |
|---|---|
  Location of Upper Paunglaung Dam in Myanmar | |
| Country | Burma |
| Location | Naypyidaw Union Territory/Shan State |
| Coordinates | 19°45′22.42″N 096°35′37.81″E |
| Purpose | Power |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 2005 |
| Opening date | 2015 |
| Owner(s) | Ministry of Electric Power |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Type of dam | Gravity, roller-compacted concrete |
| Impounds | Paunglaung River |
| Height | 103 m (338 ft) |
| Length | 530 m (1,740 ft) |
| Dam volume | 1.1×106 m3 (1,400,000 cu yd) |
| Spillway type | Uncontrolled |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 1,300×106 m3 (1,100,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Commission date | December 2015 |
| Turbines | 2 x 70 MW (94,000 hp) Francis-type |
| Installed capacity | 140 MW (190,000 hp) |
The dam forced the relocation of some 15,000 residents which has drawn backlash from locals to international organizations.[6] Many have already relocated but complain that their new land is of an insufficient size, has no power supply or natural resources to work.[7]
AF-Consult Switzerland Ltd was the Owner's Designer for all project phases, including commissioning.
References
- "RCC Dam Database (Upper Paung Laung)". Malcolm Dunstan and Associates. Archived from the original on 8 November 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- "Upper Paunglaung Hydropower Project(Myanmar)". Yunnan Machinery & Electrical. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- "Upper Paunglaung Hydropower Project to generate 454 kwh million on completion". Malaysian Myranmar Business Council. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- "Controversial Upper Paunglaung dam joins national grid". MyanmarTimes. 11 December 2015.
- "Upper Paunglaung HPP, Myanmar". AF Consult. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
- Connor Macdonald, 'New report highlights 'devastating human cost' of Upper Paunglaung Dam project', Mizzima, 7 October 2015.
- Lone, Wa (7 November 2013). "Complaints emerge over Paunglaung Dam compensation". Myranmar Times. Retrieved 10 March 2014.