Electrical industry of burma/myanmar

CHINA GUODIAN TO BUILD POWER STATION ON THE NAM TABAT IN KACHIN STATE

NLM: 22/01/11. Edited and condensed. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/NLM2011-01-22.pdf

Vice-President Li Hon Gyuan and party of China Guodian [Huadian] Corporation of the PRC met with EPM-1 Zaw Min in Nay Pyi Taw for discussions related to the Nam Tabat hydropower project in Kachin state on 20/01/11.
Afterwards, an MoU on the Nam Tabat project was signed between the Dept Hydropower Planning of EPM-1, the China Guodian [Huadian] Corp and Tun Thwin Mining Co Ltd [of Myanmar]. Present at the signing ceremony were Myanmar government offices, V-P Li Hon Gyuan and party, Chairman Wang Junchang and party of Yunnan Yunneng Power Engineering Co, Ltd, and Chairman of Tun Thwin Mining Co, Ltd U Thein Tun and officials.
The project will be implemented on the Namtabat River, 45 miles south of Myitkyina, based on the JV/BOT system.
Compiler’s note: As noted in the references below, the construction of a dam and power station on the Nam Tabak was originally assigned to the Buga Co, whose major shareholders are high-ranking members of the Kachin Independence Organizaion (KIO). The re-assignment of the project to China Guodian and Tun Thwin Mining should be seen in the light of the refusal of the KIO to accept integration of its armed wing, the KIA, into the Myanmar Tatmadaw during the period leading up to the elections of November 2010.
Map references

Burma 1:250,000: Series U542, NG 47-09: Myitkyina

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/burma/txu-oclc-6924198-ng47-9.jpg

China 1:250,000: Series L 500, NG 47-10: T’eng Ch’ung

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/china/txu-oclc-10552568-ng47-10.jpg

The Tabatkha [Dabak] is easily visible in the lower right hand corner of the Myitkyina map but the hydropower projects would be located in the mountainous country east of the village of Tabakyang (25° 08' N, 97° 33' E) shown on the T’eng Ch’ung map.

Additional references
Data summary: Namtabat
See below: ‘MoU signed on Mawlaik and Kalewa power projects’ (NLM: 29/05/10)

‘KIO promises better power supply for Kachin state’ (IRROL: 25/08/06)

NLM, 24/04/11. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/NLM2011-04-24.pdf

EPM-1 Zaw Min briefs the Special Projects Implementation Committee [of the Union Government] on the Namtabat hydropower project that will be built on the Namtabat river, 45 miles south of Myitkyina in Kachin state. It will have an installed capacity of 104 megawatts which can generate 575 million kwh yearly.

NLM, 24/01/11. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/NLM2011-01-24.pdf

According to information published in NLM at the opening of the Tapein-1 hydropower station, two power plants are to be constructed on the Namtabet [=Namtabak]: the first with a generating capacity of 96 megawatts and the second with a capacity of 104 MW.

Global Witness, A Choice for China: Ending the Destruction of Burma's Northern Frontier Forests, p. 58, Oct 2005. www.globalwitness.org/media_library_detail.php/492/en/

In 1997, the KIO initiated the construction of two large hydro-electric power stations -- the Mali creek hydropower scheme and the Dabak river dam -- to improve the electricity supply situation in Kachin State. Eight years later, in Jan 2005, the KIO was in negotiations with MEPE regarding the purchase of electricity to be generated by these plants. The Jinxin Co with bases in both Tengchong and Pianma is the largest logging company operating in Kachin State. It is this company that has been the main contractor for the construction of both dams. Work is being carried out in return for logging rights to timber in the area, worth millions of dollars. The dams are being built with the permission of the SPDC, which also gave permission for logging the upper Dabak region to pay for the schemes. Neither dam has yet been completed, despite the fact that the value of the timber already exported to China exceeds the cost of the Mali project and half that of the Dabak project. Ara La, who manages the projects, formerly a leading member of KIO, left the organization in disgrace in the wake of a corruption scandal surrounding the dam construction. Following pressure from the Yunnan provincial gov’t, Jinxin agreed in principle to complete Dabak. Whether or not Jinxin is asked to finish the Mali dam depends on their performance at Dabak. It is feared that more timber will have to be felled in order to pay for further work.

NLM, 17/01/04. www.myanmar.gov.mm/NLM-2004/Jan04/enlm/Jan17_rg7.html

Mali hydel power project in Waingmaw township, with a capacity of over 10 MW, and Dabut creek hydel project, with a capacity of 24 MW, are being implemented in Kachin state. The projects will contribute to the industrial development of Kachin State.

Global Witness, A Conflict of Interests: The uncertain future of Burma's forests, October 2003, p. 93. http://www.globalwitness.org/media_library_detail.php/113/en/

Electricity generation in Kachin state is totally inadequate. The Jinghkrang dam built by the SLORC in 1993 does not produce sufficient electricity to supply Myitkyina, let alone the rest of Kachin state, and that which is generated is prioritised to the Tatmadaw bases. Since 1997, the KIO has been involved in two hydroelectric power schemes, the Mali creek hydropower scheme and the Dabak river dam, to increase electricity generation in the state. This would increase the rate of development and provide for the needs of nascent industries in the area. In terms of the timber trade this could mean an increase in processing capacity and the manufacture of value added timber products. However, it is far from clear whether there would be a ready market for such value added products;

NLM, 11/04/01. http://www.myanmar.gov.mm/NLM-2001/enlm/April11.htm

SPDC Secretary No 1 Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by KIO leaders, officials of the Bugar Co, members of the national races and local people. Officials reported on the targets and benefits of the Mali and Dabat hydro-electric power projects. Afterwards, Secretary No 1 and party met with KIO Chairman La Mon Tu Jai and national leaders, officials of Bugar Co and local people. They were introduced to officials of Mali hydro-electric power project. Secretary-1 said the Dabat and Mali power projects were the result of the KIO's endeavours for the local people's interests. Electric-powered home industries and commercial-scale industries would emerge not only in Myitkyina and Waingmaw but also in the villages in the area.

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CHINA DATANG AND SHWETAUNG TEAM UP FOR SIX HYDROPOWER PROJECTS

NLM, 20/01/11. Edited. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/NLM2011-01-20.pdf

A ceremony to sign MoAs on the implementation of six hydropower projects was held at Yeywa Hall of EPM-1 in Nay Pyi Taw on January 18. The projects include the Ywathit on the Thanlwin river, and the Nampawn Cascade and Namtamhpak in Kayah state and the Saingdin in the northern part of Arakan state as well as two on the Lemro river near the boundary between Arakan and Chin states in western Myanmar.
Signing the six MoAs were D-G Kyee Soe of the Dept of Hydropower Planning, President Kou Bingen of China Datang Overseas Investment Co Ltd and M-D [Eik Htun] of Shwe Taung Hydropower Co Ltd.
Afterwards V-P Zou Jiahua of China Datang Corporation and M-D [Eik Htun] of Shwe Taung Hydropower Co Ltd spoke words of thanks.
Company reference:

Compiler’s note: March 2011.

Shwetaung Hydropower Co Ltd appears to be the newest member of a large stable of companies involved with real estate development and construction activities associated with the name of U Eik Htun and his son U Aung Zaw Naing. Shwetaung Development Co Ltd is listed as the owner of the massive, double-towered, 18-storey-high Mawtin shopping and residential complex that was opened in Sept 2010 in downtown Yangon, as well as other large shopping centres at Junction 8 and Junction Zawana in Yangon and in Nay Pyi Taw and numerous housing estates throughout Yangon. Hi-Tech Concrete Co Ltd, also managed by U Eik Htun, has been heavily involved in the construction of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) dams, bridges, roads and other concrete structures in Myanmar for more than a dozen years. http://www.high-techtechnology.com/n The name of U Eik Htun, well known for his promotional skills, appears on websites connected with companies in Thailand, China, Vietnam and Bangladesh. It would appear that he was largely responsible for brokering the deal between his own company, Datang and the governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh for the development of the hydropower projects on the Lemro and Saingdin rivers in Arakan. Other related companies include the Olympic Construction and Engineering Co Ltd, Hi-Star Co Ltd, Golden Tri Star Co Ltd, Asia Royal Hospital and the Ngwe Saung Beach Resort. U Eik Htun was also the managing director of the Asia Wealth Bank, a private institution, that was closed down by the military government in Myanmar in 2004 for reasons not stated but believed to be associated with money laundering operations. U Eik Htun is well-known for his use of company facilities to assist with rural development projects in various parts of Myanmar. For a good example of the collaboration of Shwetaung with government departments in projects of this kind, see the print edition of NLM for 27/05/11, which desribes a dam constructed by Shwetaung in collaboration with EPM-1 to provide drinking water for six villages in Kyaukpadaung township. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/NLM2011-05-27.pdf For information on a B.O.T project undertaken by Hi-Tech Concrete in association with the Hydropower Dept of EPM-1, see Biluchaung No 3 hydropower project moving ahead.
See also the website of the Golden Tristar Co Ltd, which identifies itself as a member of the Shwetaung Development Group of companies. http://www.gts-geotechnology.com/background-history.htm

According to information on this website Golden Tristar carried out geotechnical engineering work, and diaphragm wall construction and cementing, drilling and grout work for the Shwegyin hydropower project, drilling and grout work for the Yeywa hydropower project, tunnel construction for the Kun Creek hydropower project bore piling work for the power intake structure at the Shwegyin hydropower project, high tension tower foundation for the Areyarwaddy River transmission line at Pantanaw, the Hlaing river crossing transmission line in Htantabin township, the Hlaing river crossing transmission line at Bayintnaung) and the Hlaingtharyar-Bayintnaung transmission line project.

Additional references
Compiler’s note: News and other items related to the various projects in which Datang and Shwetaung are associated will be found under the separate headings listed below.
See above: ‘Tapein-1 hydropower plant in Kachin state officially opened’ (NLM: 24/01/11)

See below: ‘Datang begins operations at Tapein river hydropower plant’ (Interfax: 03/09/10)

‘Agreement on four hydro projects signed with Datang (Yunnan)’ (PRC Comm: 15/01/10)

‘Sai Tin hydropower project plans announced’ (NLM: 28/01/09)

‘Taping river hydropower projects under discussion in China’ (Hubei Daily: 04/11/06)

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DISPLAYS FEATURE LOCALLY MADE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND PARTS

NLM, 15/01/11. Edited and condensed. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/NLM2011-01-15.pdf

PM Thein Sein and officials attended an exhibition of machine and spare parts used in the steam/gas turbines and power grids of the Ministry of Electric Power No 2 at Ahlon gas fired power plant of MEPE in Ahlon township on 12 January. Exhibits viewed by the PM and his party gave details of the Kyunchaung, Myanaung, Ywama, Mann (Minbu), Shwetaung, Thaton, Thakayta, Ahlon and Hlawga gas-fired power plants, including the location and age of the plants, their generating capacity, the types of machines in each along with their value and the costs of keeping them in repair.
The PM also observed a display of machine and spare parts made by local companies for the steam and gas plants of EPM-2 and the tools and materials used in construction of power grid by departments under the Ministry of Electric Power No. 2 as well as research-related documents.
The exhibition is being held with view to encouraging the development of businesses which will make more import-substitute materials for electrical industry thus reducing the use of foreign exchange in importing them from abroad.
MD Aung Than Oo of MEPE explained the display of 295 machine parts and spare parts, as well as facts about the nine gas -fired power plants across the nation, maintenance works, small, medium and large scale repair works, maintenance and repair costs and facts about the major machine parts of gas turbines.
The PM said the role of gas-fired power plants had become important for electricity generation. With the increasing population, improving living conditions and the changing lifestyle of the people, demand for electricity was growing by leaps and bounds. So, full use of all generated electricity was a special priority. As the gas turbines had been used for many years, it was necessary to be servicing and maintaining the machinery frequently and costs were high. Efforts were needed to manufacture machine parts locally rather than importing them.
Later, Deputy Chief Engineer Maung Maung Kyaw, explained about the construction of the 230-kV Ahlon Twin Bundle Double Circuit power grid line across the Hline river. Afterwards the PM and his party inspected the work being done on the double-circuit power grid project on the Ahlon bank. [Photos of the double circuit power grid under construction and of some of the electrical parts and equipment manufactured locally are included in the print edition of NLM.]
Additional references
NLM: 07/03/10. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs08/NLM2010-03-07.pdf

The Special Projects Implementation Committee held a co-ordination meeting (1/2010) at the Operations Meeting Room of the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) in Nay Pyi Daw of 05/03/10. . . . EPM-2 Khin Maung Myint submitted reports on the renovation of nine national grids, 10 main power station projects and planned major repair of power plants. . . . The power plants to undergo major repairs are No 3 turbine of the Ywama power plant, the No 1 turbine of the Ahlon power plant, the Hlawga recycle steam turbine, the Ahlon recycle steam turbine, the Thakayta recycle steam turbine, the Hlawga power plant, the Thakayta power plant, the No 3 turbine at the Kyunchaung power plant, the Shwedaung power plant, the Myanaung power plant, the steam turbine at the Mawlamyine power plant and the Thaton power plant.

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Start 11
MADAY DAM SERVING FARMERS OF KANMA TOWNSHIP

Byline and photos: Khin Maung Than (Sethmu), NLM, 14/01/11. Edited and rewritten.

http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs11/NLM2011-01-14.pdf
Maday dam is [near Gyobin Village (19° 02' N, 94° 54' E), 3.5 miles west of the Pathein-Monywa highway] in Kanma township. The main embankment is 1920 feet long and 155 feet high, and the dyke, 1200 feet long. It gets an annual inflow of 91,100 acre feet of water from its catchment area of 0.76 [?] square miles. Its maximum water storage capacity is 54,000 acre feet, and its dead storage water surface is 960 acres. It was built between 2003 and 2006 and commissioned on 25 February 2007.
On our trip to Maday dam [in January 2011], we found the water in the facility was at the full tank level, and it was pleasant to view green areas around the dam. The main canal is ten miles long and has 298 irrigation structures and branch canals 47.8 miles long.
Kanma township has an average annual rainfall of 45.06 inches. This is enough for the paddy fields in the rainy season, so the dam water is mostly used for cultivating paddy in summer. During the period between the two paddy seasons, local farmers also grow chick pea, groundnut and sesame, especially pigeon pea. As a result of the triple-cropping pattern, they are getting ahead with their businesses.
Maday Dam is a reliable source of irrigation water. The facility benefited 157 acres of farmlands in 2007-2008; and 1436 acres, in 2009-2010. It is expected to benefit 4000 acres of summer paddy fields in 2010-2011. If so, the township will be able to put 8000 acres under paddy in a year.
Five and ten kV hydropower generators are installed along the main canal near Pyinhtaung and Ahtet Meepauk Village. [A photo accompanying the article in the print edition of NLM shows the exterior of one of the small-scale hydropower plants on the main canal of dam.]
Additional references
NLM, 20/08/08. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/NLM2008-08-20.pdf

Maj-Gen Khin Zaw of the MoD visits Maday dam project near Gyopin Village, 3.5 miles west of the Pathein-Monywa highway in Kanma township. The dam, which was opened on 25 February 2007, is 155 feet high and 1920 feet long. It has a storage capacity of 54,000 acre-feet and can irrigate 4,000 acres. He inspects the storage of water in the dam, construction of the spillways and the generating of hydropower to supply electricity to Ahtet Mipauk village. NLM (24/03/09) notes that “steps are being taken for the installation of turbines at the dam for small scale hydel power plants.” http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs6/NLM2009-03-24.pdf See also the article in NLM (10/02/06) which mentions preparations for generating power at the dam. http://mission.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Myanmar/06nlm/n060210.htm

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RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (MYANMAR)

U Lin, Myanmar Engineering Society [undated, possibly mid-2010].

http://news.ubmthailand.com/newsletter/2011/EPA/conference/ASEAN-Renewable-Energy/E-03-Myanmar-ULin-Final.pdf
This set of 47 slides was apparently presented at an ASEAN renewable energy symposium sometime in 2010 by U Lin, vice-president of the Myanmar Engineering Society. Sources quoted in the Planning Dept of the Ministry of Energy are as of November 2008. Those interested in the small-scale generation of electricity using renewable sources will find useful information and pictures covering mini-hydro facilities (slides 13,14,15), wind power generation (slides 16,17), solar power (slides 18,19,20), bio-gas (slides 21,22), bio-mass (slides 23,24, 25,26, 45, 46).
Additional references
See above: ‘Energy workshop promotes small-scale electricity generation’ (MT: 13/02/12)

See below: ‘Electricity potential of energy sources available in Myanmar’ (Energy Ministry: 2001)

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NEW HYDRO POWER PLANTS EASE DRY SEASON SHORTAGES IN YANGON

Kyaw Hsu Mon, Myanmar Times, 20/12/10 (Issue 554). http://mmtimes.com/2010/news/554/index.html

Yangon Electricity Supply Board (YESB) has no immediate plans to introduce a rotation system for the distribution of electricity to residential areas of Yangon, an official said last week. The system is normally introduced from December through to the start of the rainy season in May, as dwindling water supplies reduce the amount of electricity generated by the nation’s hydro dams. In 2009, the rotation system was introduced on December 3 because a lack of rain over the monsoon season had reduced the generation capacity of the Lawpita dam in Kayah State, which is a major source of power for Yangon.
But board general secretary U Maung Maung Latt said last week new sources of electricity had reduced the city’s reliance on Lawpita. “Although we are in the dry season we have enough power from the hydro projects because we are now using not only Lawpita but also Shweli and Yeywa. That’s why we can still distribute power to residential areas in Yangon 24 hours a day,” he said, adding that YESB also receives electricity from the Mone and Thaphansake hydro projects. “We can’t say at the moment when the rotation system will be introduced.”
Another factor in the improved electricity supply was the recent introduction of a fourth turbine at the US$700 million Yeywa project, which is located in Mandalay Region and has a capacity of 790MW, or 3.55 billion kilowatt hours a year. “Until the second week of December there were three turbines running but now the last turbine has come online, so we can distribute more power,” U Maung Maung Latt said.
Despite the improved supply, residents of some townships in Yangon Region said they are still without power for several hours a day. “Sometimes the power cuts out for two or three hours a day, sometimes it’s out for the whole evening,” North Dagon resident U Kyaw Myint said.
U Maung Maung Latt said such power outages were “temporary” and usually the result of a broken transformer. “These temporary shut downs happen because when a transformer breaks, the township branch station will stop the power supply [for safety reasons],” he said. Another major power outage occurred last month when a large group of migrating birds collided with high-voltage power lines near Shwedaung and Myaung Tagar in Bago Region, he said.
Supply to industrial zones in Yangon is also not constant, with electricity diverted from factories to residential zones from 4pm to 8pm each day. “Our first priority is residential areas,” U Maung Maung Latt said.
Electricity consumption in Yangon Region averages 500MW a day and the nation’s total consumption is about 1200MW, according to YESB.
Additional references
See above: ‘Improved poweer supply brings better business climate to most’ (MT: 06/06/11)

See below: ‘Power boost for Yangon as rain falls’ (MT: 21/06/10)

‘Coping with unreliable power supply in Burma’s cities’ (IRROL: 22/05/10)

‘Rangoon reels under severe power cuts’ (Mizzima: 02/04/10)

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MONGTON (TASANG) HYDROPOWER PROJECT TO BE DEVELOPED ON UPPER THANLWIN

NLM, 12/11/10. Rewritten and condensed. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs09/NLM2010-11-12.pdf

An MoU on the development of the Upper Thanlwin (Mongton) hydropower project was signed at Yeywa Hall of Ministry of Electric Power No 1 in Nay Pyi Taw on 10/11/10. Signing for the Hydropower Planning Dept of EPM-1 was Director-General U Kyee Soe, while Vice-President Bi Yaxiang signed for the China Three Gorges Corporation and Senior Executive Vice- President Prutichai Chonglertvanichkul signed for Egat International Co Ltd of and an [unnamed] official signed for the International Group of Entrepreneurs Co Ltd [of Myanmar]. Also present on the occasion was Group President Cao Guangjing of China Three Gorges Corp of the PRC and Chairman Nay Aung and officials of the International Group of Entrepreneurs. [A photo of the signing ceremony is included in the print edition of NLM.]
Compiler’s note:

A release issued on 12/11/10 by the PRC’s Ministry of Commerce with accompanying photo covers the same signing ceremony. It notes that Mongton project will have a generatring capacity of 7.1 GW, the same as that previously announced for the Tasang project on the Thanlwin.

http://www.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/i/jyjl/j/201011/20101107242451.html