The Pyu Creek Dam in Bago Region is currently generating 600 megawatt-hours of electricity per day for the national grid through the 230-kV Toungoo power line during the rainy season, in addition to supporting agricultural activities, according to the Pyuchaung Hydropower Plant. Water continues to flow into the dam during the current rainy season, with the water level still more than 18 feet below full capacity. The area receives an annual average rainfall of 100 inches, with an average annual inflow of 668,000 acre-feet into the reservoir. The dam has a storage capacity of 632,530 acre-feet and a catchment area of 422 square miles. It is a zoned rock-fill dam measuring 1,020 feet in length and 245 feet in height.
“Water inflow is OK. The water level is still 18.4 feet below full capacity. The dam also contributes to meeting the national electricity demand. Normally, we generate only 450 megawatt-hours of hydropower at this time of year, but due to improved water inflow, we are now generating 600 megawatt-hours per day. Once the dam reaches full capacity, we plan to increase generation further. Pyu Creek Dam generates electricity throughout hot, rainy and cold seasons. Depending on water inflow, when water availability is sufficient, the plant can generate up to 800 megawatt-hours, making the dam beneficial to the country,” said U Min Thu Aung, Manager of the Pyuchaung power plant.
The Pyuchaung Hydropower Plant measures 130 feet in length, 110 feet in width and 110 feet in height. Its turbines are Francis vertical-shaft type turbines, with a discharge rate of 2,031.65 cubic feet per second. The plant has two 20-megawatt generating units and produces an annual average of 120 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is transmitted to the national grid through the 230-kV Toungoo power line.
The dam stores and regulates water flowing from the Bago Yoma and also supports the agriculture and livestock sectors in Pyu and Ottwin townships. It helps prevent flooding in the Sittoung River basin and provides water needed by farmers in Pyu and Zeyawady for summer cultivation.
Construction of the Pyuchaung Hydropower Plant began in 2001 and was completed in August 2014. Since 29 August 2014, the plant has been supplying electricity to the national power grid through its two 20-megawatt generating units. The dam is not only a major facility for electricity generation but also an important reservoir supporting the agricultural sector. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH
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