ENERGY MINISTRY PLANS TO CO-INVEST WITH MYANMAR TO CONSTRUCT HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT IN MYANMAR

Energy Minister Wiset Jupibal (วิเศษ จูภิบาล) revealed that the Energy Ministry plans to co-invest with Myanmar to construct hydroelectric power plant from Haj (ฮัจยีห์) dam.

Mr. Wiset said that the dam will be able to add electricity generating capacity from 700 megawatts to 1,200 megawatts. He said that the ministry’s planned investment with the Burmese government in constructing many other dams along the Salawin (สาละวิน) River should benefit both countries, especially on matters relating to energy security. He added that the electricity generated from hydroelectric power plant will reduce electricity generating costs.

The energy minister explained that the Salawin river is located between mountain ranges, has great depth, and a great amount of water. Therefore, it is expected that the electricity generated from this power plant will be able to meet high demands during high seasons. He added that the use of hydroelectric power plant will help the country reduce its oil consumption. Meanwhile, PTT’s third gas pipelines will be completed next year, resulting in a reduction of electricity costs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 November 2005

hmmmm,

that's interesting, EGAT has just payed huge sums of money for hydroelectric projects subsidised by the government just before it's about to be privatised.

That's handy.