Overview
The Shwegyin Dam is a rock-fill embankment dam situated on the Shwegyin River within Shwegyin Township, Bago Region, in the southern central part of Myanmar. It functions primarily as a hydroelectric power generation facility, featuring a 75 MW power station located just below the dam's base. The project represents a significant infrastructure development in the region, owned by the Ministry of Electric Power. Construction activities commenced in 2002, with the first generator achieving operational status in December 2010. The facility was formally opened on 22 October 2011, marking the completion of the primary construction phase. The total cost of the project was reported as US$161 million.
| Entity Type | Hydroelectric Power Plant |
|---|---|
| Country | Myanmar (MM) |
| Region | Bago Region |
| Township | Shwegyin Township |
| Coordinates | 17.971, 96.9361 |
| Primary Fuel/Source | Water (Shwegyin River) |
| Capacity | 75 MW |
| Owner | Ministry of Electric Power |
| Commissioned | 2011 |
| Construction Start | 2002 |
| Formal Opening | 22 October 2011 |
| First Generator Operational | December 2010 |
| Construction Cost | US$161 million |
History and Construction Timeline
The development of the Shwegyin Dam project represents a significant infrastructure undertaking in the Bago Region of Burma. Construction on the rock-fill dam structure commenced in 2002, marking the beginning of a nearly decade-long engineering effort to harness the hydroelectric potential of the Shwegyin River. The project was primarily driven by the need to expand regional power generation capacity, with the Ministry of Electric Power serving as the principal owner and overseeing the development phases.
Progress through the construction period was steady, culminating in the initial operational phase for the power station. The first generator at the facility became operational in December 2010, providing early evidence of the project's viability and allowing for preliminary power output before the full commissioning of the plant. This milestone was a critical step in validating the engineering design and the integration of the 75 megawatts (101,000 hp) power station located just below the dam's base.
Following the successful initial operation, the project reached its formal conclusion with an official opening ceremony. The Shwegyin Dam was formally opened on 22 October 2011, solidifying its status as a key operational asset for the region's energy grid. The total construction cost for the project was recorded at US$161 million, reflecting the financial investment required to complete the rock-fill dam and associated hydroelectric infrastructure.
Project Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Construction on the Shwegyin Dam begins. |
| December 2010 | The first generator becomes operational. |
| 22 October 2011 | Formal opening of the Shwegyin Dam. |
Technical Specifications and Infrastructure
The Shwegyin Dam is constructed as a rock-fill structure situated on the Shwegyin River within Shwegyin Township, Bago Region, in the southern central part of Burma. The facility’s primary engineering purpose is hydroelectric power generation. The power station is located just below the base of the dam and has an installed capacity of 75 megawatts, equivalent to 101,000 horsepower. Construction of the dam infrastructure began in 2002. The project reached a key operational milestone when the first generator became operational in December 2010. The dam was formally opened on 22 October 2011. The total construction cost was US$161 million. The facility is owned by the Ministry of Electric Power.| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dam Type | Rock-fill |
| Location | Shwegyin River, Shwegyin Township, Bago Region, Burma |
| Primary Purpose | Hydroelectric power generation |
| Installed Capacity | 75 MW (101,000 hp) |
| Construction Start | 2002 |
| First Generator Operational | December 2010 |
| Formal Opening | 22 October 2011 |
| Construction Cost | US$161 million |
| Owner | Ministry of Electric Power |
What is the role of the Ministry of Electric Power in Myanmar's hydro infrastructure?
The Shwegyin Dam is owned and operated by the Ministry of Electric Power, a central institution in Myanmar’s energy sector. This ownership structure reflects the broader organizational framework governing hydroelectric infrastructure in the country. The Ministry of Electric Power is responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of key power generation assets, including major hydroelectric projects such as Shwegyin. As the primary owner of the Shwegyin facility, the Ministry oversees the strategic management of the plant’s output, which contributes to the regional and national grid stability in the Bago Region and surrounding areas.
The Shwegyin project, with an installed capacity of 75 MW, represents a significant investment in Myanmar’s hydroelectric portfolio. The construction cost of US$161 million underscores the financial commitment required to develop such infrastructure. The Ministry of Electric Power’s role extends beyond mere ownership; it involves coordinating the technical operations of the rock-fill dam and its associated power station. The dam is located on the Shwegyin River in Shwegyin Township, and its primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation. The Ministry ensures that the facility operates efficiently, managing the water flow and generator performance to meet energy demand.
Operational Timeline and Management
The operational history of the Shwegyin Dam highlights the Ministry’s involvement in the project’s lifecycle. Construction began in 2002, marking the start of a nearly decade-long development phase. The first generator became operational in December 2010, indicating a phased approach to bringing the plant online. The facility was formally opened on 22 October 2011, solidifying its status as a key asset under the Ministry’s jurisdiction. This timeline reflects the Ministry’s role in overseeing the construction, commissioning, and eventual full operation of the hydroelectric plant.
The Ministry of Electric Power’s management of the Shwegyin Dam is part of a larger strategy to expand Myanmar’s renewable energy capacity. Hydroelectric power is a critical component of the country’s energy mix, and the Ministry plays a pivotal role in identifying, developing, and maintaining such resources. The Shwegyin project, located in the southern central part of Burma, contributes to the regional energy supply and supports the broader goals of energy security and economic development. The Ministry’s oversight ensures that the plant continues to operate effectively, providing a steady source of power to the region.
The significance of the Ministry of Electric Power in Myanmar’s hydro infrastructure cannot be overstated. As the owner of the Shwegyin Dam, the Ministry is directly involved in the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of the facility. This includes managing the 75 MW power station situated just below the dam’s base. The Ministry’s responsibilities also extend to coordinating with other government bodies and stakeholders to ensure that the hydroelectric project aligns with national energy policies. The Shwegyin Dam serves as an example of the Ministry’s commitment to developing and maintaining critical energy infrastructure in Myanmar.
Why it matters
The Shwegyin Dam represents a significant infrastructure achievement within the energy sector of southern central Burma, specifically serving the Bago Region. As a completed hydroelectric facility with an installed capacity of 75 MW, the plant provides a stable source of renewable energy to the regional grid. The project, which cost US$161 million to construct, was owned by the Ministry of Electric Power and marked a tangible expansion of Myanmar’s hydropower infrastructure during the early 2010s. Its operational status, confirmed by the formal opening on 22 October 2011, underscores the completion of a major capital investment that began with construction in 2002.
Regional Energy Contribution
Located in Shwegyin Township, the dam utilizes the flow of the Shwegyin River to generate electricity, contributing directly to the power supply of the Bago Region. The 75 MW power station, situated just below the base of the rock-fill dam, offers a consistent output that supports local industrial and residential demand. This capacity is particularly valuable in a region where energy infrastructure development has been a key focus for economic growth. The plant’s operation began incrementally, with the first generator becoming operational in December 2010, allowing for a phased integration into the local grid before the full commissioning.
Infrastructure Milestone
The completion of the Shwegyin Dam stands as a notable example of large-scale civil engineering in Myanmar. The project’s timeline, spanning from the start of construction in 2002 to its formal inauguration in 2011, reflects the logistical and financial commitments required for such ventures. With a total cost of US$161 million, the dam was a substantial investment by the Ministry of Electric Power, highlighting the strategic importance of hydropower in the country’s energy mix. The facility’s rock-fill design and its role in harnessing the Shwegyin River’s potential demonstrate the technical capabilities deployed to enhance regional energy security. This project remains a key asset in the operational portfolio of Myanmar’s state-owned power infrastructure.
Geographical Context and Location
The Shwegyin Dam is situated in the southern central part of Burma, specifically within the Bago Region. This geographical positioning places the facility in a key area for the nation's energy infrastructure development. The dam is built directly on the Shwegyin River, which serves as the primary water source for the hydroelectric power generation process. The specific administrative location is Shwegyin Township, a local division that gives its name to both the river and the dam structure itself.
Regional Setting
The Bago Region is a significant administrative and geographical entity in central Myanmar. The placement of the Shwegyin Dam in this region contributes to the local and national power grid. The Shwegyin River flows through Shwegyin Township, providing the necessary hydraulic head and flow volume required for the rock-fill dam construction. The terrain in this southern central part of Burma supports the engineering requirements for a 75 MW hydroelectric facility. The integration of the dam into this specific river system allows for the conversion of water energy into electrical power for the surrounding areas.
| Location Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Country | Burma (Myanmar) |
| Region | Bago Region |
| Township | Shwegyin Township |
| River | Shwegyin River |
| Geographical Area | Southern central part of Burma |
The construction of the dam on the Shwegyin River began in 2002, leveraging the natural topography of the Shwegyin Township area. The location was selected to maximize the efficiency of the rock-fill dam design. The power station is located just below the base of the dam, utilizing the elevation difference provided by the river's course through the township. This geographical setup is critical for the operational status of the facility, which has been operational since its formal opening in 2011. The site's characteristics in the Bago Region support the continued function of the hydroelectric plant.
Frequently asked questions
When was Shwegyin Dam built?
Construction on the Shwegyin Dam project commenced in 2002. The development proceeded over nearly a decade, with the first generator achieving operational status in December 2010. The dam was formally opened to mark its completion on 22 October 2011. These dates are documented in the project's historical records and official commissioning reports.
What is the capacity of Shwegyin Dam?
The Shwegyin Dam features a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 75 megawatts. This output is equivalent to approximately 101,000 horsepower. The power station is situated just below the base of the rock-fill dam structure. This capacity is designed to feed into the regional grid, contributing to the energy supply of the surrounding areas in Burma.
Who owns the Shwegyin Dam?
The Shwegyin Dam is owned by the Ministry of Electric Power. This government body oversees the asset as part of the national energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Electric Power also serves as the operator of the facility, managing its day-to-day hydroelectric power generation activities. The total construction cost for the project was US$161 million, reflecting the state investment in this energy asset.
Where is the Shwegyin Dam located?
Specifically, it is situated on the Shwegyin River within Shwegyin Township. This township is part of the Bago Region, a key administrative division in the country. The dam's strategic placement on the river allows for effective water management and hydroelectric power generation for the local and regional grids.
Summary
The Shwegyin Dam is an operational hydroelectric power facility located in the Bago Region of Myanmar. Situated on the Shwegyin River within Shwegyin Township, this infrastructure project serves as a key component of the country's southern central energy grid. The structure is a rock-fill dam designed primarily for hydroelectric power generation, featuring a power station with an installed capacity of 75 MW (101,000 hp) positioned just below its base. The facility is owned by the Ministry of Electric Power, which also acts as the primary operator for the plant.
The project reached a significant milestone in December 2010 when the first generator became operational, allowing for initial power output to the grid. The dam was formally opened on 22 October 2011, officially integrating the 75 MW capacity into Myanmar's energy infrastructure.
As a hydroelectric facility, the Shwegyin Dam utilizes the water flow of the Shwegyin River to drive its turbines, contributing to the renewable energy mix in the Bago Region. The operational status of the plant remains active, providing consistent power generation capabilities since its formal commissioning. The location in Shwegyin Township places the dam in a strategic position for regional power distribution, supporting both local consumption and broader grid stability in southern central Burma. The project represents a significant infrastructure achievement in Myanmar's hydroelectric sector, combining civil engineering with energy production to meet growing power demands.