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, Myanmar (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
Upper Paunglaung Dam is located in Myanmar
Upper Paunglaung Dam
Location of Upper Paunglaung Dam in Myanmar
CountryBurma
LocationNaypyidaw Union Territory/Shan State
Coordinates19°45′22.42″N 096°35′37.81″E / 19.7562278°N 96.5938361°E / 19.7562278; 96.5938361
PurposePower
StatusOperational
Construction began2005
Opening date2015
Owner(s)Ministry of Electric Power
Dam and spillways
Type of damGravity, roller-compacted concrete
ImpoundsPaunglaung River
Height103 m (338 ft)
Length530 m (1,740 ft)
Dam volume1.1×10^6 m3 (1,400,000 cu yd)
Spillway typeUncontrolled
Reservoir
Total capacity1,300×10^6 m3 (1,100,000 acre⋅ft)
Commission dateDecember 2015
Turbines2 x 70 MW (94,000 hp) Francis-type
Installed capacity140 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.

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ "RCC Dam Database (Upper Paung Laung)". Malcolm Dunstan and Associates. Archived from the original on 8 November 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  2. ^ "Upper Paunglaung Hydropower Project(Myanmar)". Yunnan Machinery & Electrical. Archived from the original on 23 July 2010. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  3. ^ "Upper Paunglaung Hydropower Project to generate 454 kwh million on completion". Malaysian Myranmar Business Council. 24 September 2013. Archived from the original on 22 December 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  4. ^ "Controversial Upper Paunglaung dam joins national grid". MyanmarTimes. 11 December 2015.
  5. ^ "Upper Paunglaung HPP, Myanmar". AF Consult. Archived from the original on 11 March 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  6. ^ Connor Macdonald, 'New report highlights 'devastating human cost' of Upper Paunglaung Dam project', Mizzima, 7 October 2015.
  7. ^ Lone, Wa (7 November 2013). "Complaints emerge over Paunglaung Dam compensation". Myranmar Times. Retrieved 10 March 2014.